Grassroots Farm Magazine Apr/May 2016

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INSIDE • Breeding • Reseeding • Dairy / Beef / Sheep / Tillage • Macra / Agri-Business

Introducing Farm & Contractor Machinery Supplement

Contents

WELCOME

NEWS 04 News Sheep 08 Pricing Soil and Reseeding 11 Sobac 12 Dr Mary McEvoy Breeding 16 News Dairy 21 23 24 25

Survey New Zealand US Financial

Beef 28 News 29 Turkey Debate Tillage 31 Glyphosate Debate PAGE 34: The Irish farm machinery highlight of the year, FTMTA Grass & Muck 2016 at Gurteen College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary (near Birr) on Wednesday, May 12th.

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s the spring season closes and the promise of summer is around the corner, the farmers of Ireland need to dig deep into the pockets of optimism to soldier onto the brighter, longer days ahead.

There is no point dwelling on the long, wet spring or the low prices in so many sectors. The sun will shine and the grass will grow and the love for farming will flow in the veins once more.

Spring is the season of new life, summer the season of development and the bridge between the two - April and May - the most exciting of them all.

In this issue we focus on reseeding and breeding. The time for new starts, rejuvenation and better futures.

Further in this issue, we look at the glyphosate debate and what it could mean for Ireland.

We look at the dairy question. We reveal the results of our survey and what the future holds.

We get advice on dealing with the current cash flow situation in the sector.

We look at how the world milk price has

Macra/Rural Youth 44 Macra Debating impacted on New Zealand and the USA and see how the worldwide situation compares with ours.

The craft butchers get credit in the sheep section for paying premium on spring lamb.

Turkey is the key talking point in our beef section with positives and negatives to be considered as the market could be opened under conditions.

In the new machinery section, we look at New Hollands new launches as well as the FTMTA Grass and Muck event, Speaking of FTMTA Grass and Muck 2016, check out the inside back cover to see how you can win tickets to the event.

If you want us to cover any issue or story, please feel free to contact us through any means of contact shown on this page. We will be delighted to hear from you.

This publication comes to you free due to our advertisers. I want to take this time to encourage you to support them and mention love from Grassroots Farm.

Now please take time from your busy schedule to sit back and enjoy Grassroots Farm.

Until next time, Jason Webb, Editor

Next Issue Next Issue - Early June - June/July 2016 Facebook.com/grassrootsfarmmag Grassroots Farm needs you!

Please send us any stories, images or anything else that you might consider of interest to us: editorgrassroots@gmail.com 02 Grass Roots April / May 2016

Machinery 32 Krone 34 FTMTA Event 38 News Brief 40 New Holland 42 News

Agri-Business 46 Bord Bia Competition 47 Grass & Muck 2016 Correspondence Grassroots Media Ltd, Ballinoe Hse, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork.

Editorial Editor: Jason Webb Email: editorgrassroots@gmail.com Tweets: twitter.com/Ed_GrassRoots Friend: facebook.com/ed.grassroots

Contributors Eoin McCarthy Dr. Mary McEvoy Michael O’Grady Patrick O’Meara

Advertising Eoin McCarthy 086 170 160 9 eoingrassroots@gmail.com

Photography Philip Copper Maria Kelly Dave Young and Flickr (cc)

Linda Egan 086 468 4411 advertgrassroots@gmail.com Advertising Consultant William Wills 086 466 4488

Publisher Grassroots Media Ltd. Next Issue out Early June - June/July 2016

Magazine Design Patrick Browne Design 086 831 9322

Grassroots Magazine is published by Grassroots Media Ltd, Ballinoe Hse, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork. Tel 086 3871172 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any shape or form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocoping or otherwise without written permission of the publishers, Grassroots Media Ltd. Whilst every care is taken of submitted MSS, photographs, drawings and content, no responsibility can be accepted for their loss or damage.

Grassroots Media Ltd does not accept responsibility for the quality or content of advertisements or articles supplied by, or compiled under instruction from a third party. Grassroots Media Ltd does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by opinion, tips and advice giving in this publication.

Grassroots Media Ltd accepts no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors and advertisers.

In addition, while every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained in Grassroots Magazine, we do not accept responsibility for any errors or matters arising same.

Copyright Grassroots Media Ltd

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NEWS

Official launch of Farming and Country Life 1916 Event

T

eagasc in partnership with Galway County Council will stage, Farming and Country Life 1916, Ireland’s largest rural 1916 commemorative. The event will take place at the historic Mellows Campus, Athenry on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th June.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Prof. Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc said: “This will be the most significant 1916 commemorative event to take place in rural Ireland. I want to acknowledge the enormous cooperation we have received from all of our collaborators. I also want to acknowledge our title sponsor, FBD, who have been extremely supportive of this project” The event will be a free to attend and will appeal to a wide audience from children to grandparents, urban and rural, farm families, schools, the Diaspora and visitors to our country. The site will incorporate picnic areas and a packed schedule of entertainment for all ages. The expected attendance is 50,000 making it the largest 1916 commemoration to be hosted outside of Dublin.

The event will reflect on an important part of life in Ireland at the beginning of the last century. It will provide high quality educational, authentic and will accurately retell the story of local 1916 military

Steve O Cualain Udaras, Larry O’Loughlin Teagasc and Noel Treacy Former Minister, at the Teagasc Mellows Campus, Athenry for the Launch for the Teagasc’s 1916 Farming and Country Life 1916. Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure.

events and Farming and Country Life of the era. It will showcase a significant number of interactive exhibits, dramatic re-enactments, lectures, and reconstructions.

A large number of farming, rural, community and voluntary, local and national organisations will be participating in the event including IFA, GAA, National Ploughing Association, UCD and the ICA, the Museum of Country Life, the Agricultural Museum in Johnstown Castle, The GAA Museum, the Department of Folklore in UCD and with many local heritage and historical societies.

There will be a series of highly interactive villages that will explore all aspects of farming and country life in Ireland 100 years ago and will chart the major developments in the first half of the 20th century.

The event is being organised around seven thematic villages:

• Ireland 1916 (The 1916 Rising) • Farm Family and Rural Life • The Land • Education and Co-operation Event Highlights

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series of stages will be packed with performances from musicians, actors and various artists from across the country and will also host a number of formal ceremonies during the two days.

• A life size replica of the GPO will form the backdrop for a major interactive ‘Ireland 1916’ display.

• A large equine display will showcase working horses of the 1916 era and include live demonstrations.

• The craft and artisan producers’ village will give live demonstrations of the skills that were part of life in 1916.

• Family entertainment area including community circus

• Mechanisation of Farming • Livestock • Sporting and Cultural Life • Panel

discussions, debates and lectures relating to rural life and farming.

• Livestock from the 1916 era.

• Interactive replica of the 1916 farm house.

• Live hurling and football matches in attire of the day.

• Agricultural education in 1916.

• Rural electrification display.

• Farm mechanisation – steam powered tractors, vintage machinery including live demonstrations.

• Food of 1916 – how did rural Ireland feed itself at the beginning of the century?

• Ireland 1916 – Live exhibit on the Rising.

• Actors in dress of the day will circulate and entertain the visitors.

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04 Grass Roots April / May 2016

Nev and Dave Swift Claiomh.ie with Prof Gerry Boyle Director General Teagasc and Cllr Peter Roache Caothaorlach Galway County Council.

Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure.

NEWS

Early management is essential, Attend Teagasc Event to learn more

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eagasc, in association with the Forest Service, DAFM, is organising a nationwide series of forest walks from 19 to 28 April, focusing on the management of young forests.

At these events, forestry experts from Teagasc and the Forest Service will explain why it is essential to care for young forests.

New forests require several years of active management to become well established. If a forest is not well maintained, future timber revenue is likely to be compromised.

It is therefore very important to ensure that the young forest will perform well and that budding forest owners know what needs to be done each year. This is also true

if the management of the forest has been subcontracted out for the first four years. After all, it is the owner that will benefit financially from well looked after trees.

One reason to attend is because the payment of the second instalment of the Afforestation Scheme (maintenance grant) and forestry premium is subject to the forest successfully achieving certain standards.

Focus in the first few years will be on controlling the surrounding vegetation, ensuring that browsing animals won’t damage the young trees, replanting of failed trees, assessing nutrient needs, shaping of broadleaf trees, and reducing the risk of fires.

Area under Cereals down 4.7% in June 2015

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he final results for June 2015 from the Central Statistics Office show that the area under cereals decreased by 14,300 ha (-4.7%) to 292,400 ha.

This was principally due to a decrease of 22,600 ha (-14.5%) in the area under spring barley and a decrease of 9,900 ha (-15.2%) in the area under winter wheat.

The results also indicate that the total number of sheep was 5,138,700, an increase of 42,000 (+0.8%) on June 2014. The number of non-breeding sheep was up 2.8%, while breeding sheep numbers were down by 1.1% in the same period.

A comparison with the June 2014 results indicates that: • Cattle numbers were up by 37,400 (+0.5%) to 6,963,500. The total number of cattle under 1 year increased by 163,900 (+8.7%), while cattle 2 years and over (excluding cows and bulls) decreased by 76,200 (-8.6%).

• The number of dairy cows was up by 69,400 (+5.7%), while other cows dropped by 53,200 (-4.7%).

• Pig numbers were down by 18,400 (-1.2%) to 1,536,900. Breeding pigs were down 1.6% and non-breeding pigs down by 1.1%.

• The area under potatoes decreased by 9.9% to 8,500 ha.

A regional analysis of the livestock numbers indicates that the largest number of cattle (1,399,100) was in the South-West region, the largest number of sheep (1,391,400) was in the West region and the largest number of pigs (427,300) was in the Border region.

European Commission’s Short-Term Outlook for 2016

E

uropean Commission’s Short-Term Outlook highlights the livestock sector will excess supply in both the EU and the world, mainly in the milk sector, but EU exports hold firm.

While in tillage ample cereal supplies push crop prices lower, except for sugar due to a worldwide deficit.

In 2016, milk deliveries are expected to further increase in the EU and the US, thus weighing on prices. Despite good export prospects, intervention stocks of SMP could increase significantly. Cheese exports will continue performing well in 2016, but will not reach 2013 levels, when Russia was purchasing 30% of EU cheese exports.

A reduced breeding herd will bring pigmeat production slightly down in 2016, while poultry meat production will increase at lower speed,

challenged by world competition. Good exports of meat and live cattle bring relief in the beef market, still driven by the increase in dairy supply. Greater meat availability in the EU market favours a further slight increase in EU per capita consumption, following two years of strong growth.

EU cereal production is expected at close to 310 million tonnes in 2015/2016, a good level considering that maize production was below average following a dry and hot summer. Although rapeseed and sunflower seed production was also below average, overall oilseed production remained stable due to an increase in soybean area. The significant reduction in EU white sugar production and the projected correction of the world market imbalance in 2015/2016 should allow EU sugar prices to increase.

Grass Roots April / May 2016 05

NEWS

Brexit Concerns for Irish Dairy and Beef Sector Highlighted

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f the UK voters decide to leave the EU in the upcoming referendum in June of this year, it could have a significant impact on Irish agri-food exports. This is according to a newly released report produced by economists from Teagasc, launched at a Teagasc and Agricultural Economics Society of Ireland (AESI) seminar in Backweston, County Kildare.

Total Irish agri-food exports were worth close to €11 billion in 2014. The UK is the number one export destination, with agri-food exports in 2014 worth over €4.5 billion.

This makes the UK market more important to the Irish agri-food sector than is the case for other sectors of the Irish economy.

If a vote in favour of Brexit occurs, an extended period of trade policy uncertainty will follow, as negotiations will need to take place to determine the future trading relationship between the UK and the EU member states, including Ireland. It would be likely that the UK would leave the EU sometime around 2020, or thereafter, depending on how long it takes to negotiate the complex mechanisms associated with Brexit.

The Teagasc report notes that following Brexit the UK would also have greater scope to adapt its agricultural policy to its own requirements. The exact shape of UK agricultural policy in the event of a Brexit is unknown. The UK has long been a proponent of radical CAP reform, but in the event of a Brexit is unlikely to radically alter UK agricultural policy immediately. Over the medium term if Brexit occurs, UK agriculture is likely to receive lower levels of budgetary support and the support provided is likely to be more targeted towards the achievement of environmental objectives relating to agriculture.

The report finds that agri-food trade with the UK will not collapse if Brexit occurs, simply

because the UK has a very large agri-food import requirement, due to its low level of agrifood self-sufficiency. Author of the report, Dr. Kevin Hanrahan of Teagasc, noted that it would be in the interests of the Irish agri-food sector that trade with the UK would continue in an unimpeded fashion, through a mechanism such as a customs union.

Brexit could mean the re-introduction of trade barriers between Ireland and the UK, unless the EU can agree a suitable trade agreement with the UK as part of the UK’s Brexit terms.

In a worse case scenario, Irish exports of dairy products, beef and other agri-food items could face import tariffs that would make it less likely that they would be imported onto the UK market.

There is also the possibility that, following Brexit, the UK might eliminate all its import tariffs, allowing beef exports from South America and lamb and dairy exports from New Zealand to enter the UK market at much lower prices than prevail at present. This would depress prices on the UK market, which would be bad news for Irish beef exporters.

However, the reports states that tariff elimination is an unlikely outcome, as the UK would probably seek to retain some level of tariffs to protect its livestock sector from low price import competition.

Teagasc Economist Trevor Donnellan noted that Brexit could mean a reduction in the value of Irish agri-food exports of anything from €150 million (1.5%) to €800 million (7.2%) per annum. The report concludes that if the UK votes to leave the EU, it will only be possible to make a detailed assessment of the consequences, when the terms of Brexit become clearer.

South American Beef Exports to Rise

S

outh America’s beef exporters are set to increase exports by an estimated 11% in 2016. This increase is supported by favourable currency values, improved access to importing countries and increased availability of beef.

“Brazil, the largest Latin American beef producer, is expected to see reduced local consumption and gains in export access, which, in combination, will lead to more exports,” according to Angus Gidley-Baird, Senior Animal Protein Analyst at Rabobank.

Domestically, Brazil is in a complex situation, with high inflation and a rising unemployment rate producing what some describe as the most serious economic crisis the country has ever faced.

While Brazilian consumers are seeing their purchasing power decline, local beef prices remain high. On the supply side, cattle producers have been encouraged to maintain cows in their herd rather than sending them to slaughter—a result of high calf prices driven by low calf availability.

Meanwhile, the weaker currency has made Brazilian beef very competitive on international markets, and strong global demand has pushed local market prices higher. The resulting high domestic beef prices have pushed consumers towards cheaper competing proteins, such as poultry, freeing up additional beef for exports.

06 Grass Roots April / May 2016

Fear of Trend where Lambs Used as Target Practice

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number of incidents in South Yorkshire, UK, are causing concern among sheep farmers of a worrying new trend.

In one case, six lambs were discovered dead and a further six lambs had been left with gunshot wounds and needed to be put down.

A further two ewes have been injured.

It is believed that they were shot overnight in what police think is one of a number incidents where lambs are being used as target practice.

These incidents have caused distress and outrage across farming communities in the South Yorkshire area.

France Launches Action on Animal Welfare

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ew animal welfare rules from France will aim to place welfare at the heart of the agriculture strategy, according to farming minister Stéphane Le Foll.

The 2016-2020 action plan was developed in collaboration with industry and sets out 20 priority actions, focused on research and innovation, accountability of all professionals especially in abattoirs, and sharing of information with citizens but also between industry partners.

The move follows an undercover video shot in a slaughterhouse in Pays de Soule, Mauleon in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, which allegedly showed acts of abuse against animals.

Mr Le Foll’s proposals to tackle such abuse included the creation of an offence of abuse against animals in slaughterhouses and during transport, establishment of a person responsible for welfare in each abattoir, and greater protections for whistleblowers.

NEWS

2016 National Reserve Funding – ICMSA says proposed linear cut “just not a runner” Following a recent meeting with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, ICMSA Deputy President Pat McCormack has expressed deep concern at the funding proposals under discussion with regard to the 2016 National Reserve.

In 2015, 3% of the Basic Payment Scheme financial ceiling was allocated to the National Reserve providing approximately €24 million in funding. In excess of 6,000 farmers successfully received allocations from the National Reserve last year which has completely depleted the fund available for 2016. Mr. McCormack observed that last year it was made very clear to all parties that the only source of funding available to the National Reserve for 2016 and subsequent years would be claw-back from the sale of entitlements without land and from unused entitlements.

According to the ICMSA Deputy President, nobody can say they weren’t told that the resources available to fund the National Reserve would be limited.

Referring to proposal made at the recent Direct Payments Advisory Committee meeting recommending a linear cut in

Basic Payments in order to finance the 2016 National Reserve, Mr. McCormack said while ICMSA fully appreciates the value of a National Reserve to support young farmers, the association could not countenance such an idea. “The reality is that farm families all across the country are facing an incredibly challenging year in financial terms – everyone knows this – and any suggestion that the value of payments under the Basic Payment Scheme, which will be the only form of income on many farms, could be further depleted is just not a runner as far as ICMSA are concerned”.

Mr. McCormack said that it was not feasible or fair to table proposals that could – in certain circumstances – see hefty cuts to average basic payments in order to fund the Reserve from which payments could conceivably be made to individuals who might be farming on a scale three or four times the average. He added that even the possibility was likely to trigger huge annoyance and anxiety amongst farmers who were financially ‘at the pin of their collar’ and ICMSA could not entertain the idea.

IFA WELCOMES SUSPENSION OF ORNUA FARMER LEVY IFA National Dairy Committee Chairman Sean O’Leary welcomed the decision by the Board of Ornua to suspend the 0.14c/l levy on dairy farmers until the Ornua PPI returns to a level equivalent to 30.5c/l incl VAT. Ornua, as a commercially successful business

in its own right, is making with this gesture a useful contribution to the support dairy farmers need at a time when their cash flow is pressured by low milk prices, bad weather, high feed bills, superlevy repayments and other outgoings.

“While this gesture is important, it does not

absolve co-ops of the necessity to continue supporting milk prices, and I urge all to hold their March milk price to avoid making what is already a critical situation on many heavily invested farms much worse,” Sean O’Leary concluded.

Grass Roots April / May 2016 07

SHEEP

ICSA praise butchers for paying premium price for spring lamb.

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he Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) has praised butchers for paying a premium price for spring lamb, while criticising meat factories for failing to pay an adequate amount for spring lamb.

ICSA sheep chair John Brooks said that the spring lamb sectors needs a minimum of “€7.00/kg” to make it viable for farmers.

“It involves a much specialised production process with ewes lambed in the depths of winter. Planning for this starts back in June or July in order to have lambs on the ground fourteen weeks prior to Easter Sunday to ensure the supply is there to meet demand at this peak time.” Brooks said.

The ICSA have praised butchers, who have once again stepped up to the mark and paid in excess of €7.00/kg and “all credit must be given to them”.

“In addition, they are prepared to pay this amount for up to 22kg whereas the factories are continuing to use the unfair 20kg cut off for spring lamb. This is in direct contrast to what I’m hearing from butchers who regard a 22kg carcase as the optimum weight for spring lamb.”

“If the spring lamb sector is to be viable, we need processors to recognise the extra labour and costs that go in to this unique product. We also need to see flexibility on the 20kg maximum weight issue if farmers are to see any rewards for their efforts.” Brooks said.

Meanwhile, livestock prices quoted from the ICSA’s website, dated 30th March 2016, indicate that meat factories are paying €6.50 +/kg for spring lamb, which is a 30 cent/kg cut on the price quoted the previous week.

ICSA CRITICISES EXCLUSION OF SHEEP FENCING FROM NEXT TRANCHE OF TAMS II.

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heep chairman of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association John Brooks has criticised the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for failing to include sheep fencing in the next tranche of TAMS II, which opened for applications on March 26th, 2016.

Of the decision, Mr Brooks said “ICSA has continuously highlighted the need for sheep fencing to be incorporated into TAMS II. This was accepted by Minister Coveney and sheep fencing was to be included in

tranche 2 however the necessary approvals have not been achieved in time. ICSA would like to know how this has been allowed to happen.”

Continuing Mr Brooks said “Sheep farmers have been neglected under Pillar II as there is no specific sheep scheme under the current Rural Development Programme. ICSA has long since been calling for such a scheme to be introduced and the time for excuses is over. Sheep farmers missing out again in TAMS only adds to their disappointment at being continuously overlooked.”

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Reseeding “You are using less inputs, your animals are significantly healthier, you should be getting more production from your animals and their weight gain is better” Kim McCall Beef & Sheep Farmer

“The Third Agricultural Revolution” Professor Marcel Mazoyer

K

im McCall, a beef and sheep farmer in Co. Kildare hosted a SOBAC farm walk on Saturday 19th March, Eoin McCarthy of Grassroots Farm Magazine attended the event and reports.

SOBAC was developed by French farmer Marcel MEZY thirty years ago, who described his invention as “The Third Agricultural Revolution”.

SOBAC’s company’s products are marketed under the brands Bactériosol and Bactériolit, which are organic amendments and litter products composed of vegetal and mineral matter along with a variety of natural composted plants.

These organic amendments and litter products replicate the natural occurring biology within the soil structure.

In recent years, SOBAC’s popularity has been evident by the increased number of farmers using their products. Three years ago 13,000 farmers were using SOBAC’S Bactériosol and Bactériolit in France, which has now increased to 30,000 farmers. Initially, when SOBAC came to Ireland four years ago, they were operating in three different countries (Ireland, Germany and Hungary), today they are operating in nine different countries.

Tom Stapleton, of P & T Stapleton Ltd Distributor of Sobac Products Bacteriosol and Bacteriolit, the concept behind these products “is to unlock the potential of your soil, to help prevent compaction, to help aerate the soil and then the most important aspect is to create humus.”

Tom further claimed that it is a process that is quickly able “to create humus in any type of soil and under any type of climate condition”.

Using Bactériosol and Bactériolit improves soil’s structure and fertility, which avoids any additional supply of fertilizers, trace elements and amendments. Many users have drastically reduced their nitrogen supply, which has helped them to keep within the legislative limits of the EU nitrates directive.

Kim McCall has been using SOBAC’s Bactériosol and Bactériolit for the last four years and since he has started to use these products, he has seen significant improvements on his farm.

His cows are grazing paddocks “literally from fence to fence”, while areas that used to be half grazed under the branches of trees are now grazed out in full, which was not the case before he used SOBAC products.

It was not until the beginning of the second year that Kim noticed a difference in his land.

Although there was a small difference in the first year, there was a significant difference in the second year, while in the third year he was getting an extra day or day and a half grazing out of his paddocks. He claims that the quality of grass has improved, his turnout this year is 12/13 March and is planning on bringing his livestock in the middle of November, which is well inside or better than the Origin Green guidelines.

Nitrogen Kim used to use limited amounts of nitrogen and some of the N P and Ks, but he gave up using them because he wasn’t seeing any significant improvement in his pastures. This is illustrated by the fact that in 2015, Kim applied zero nitrogen. He emphasised that his pastures were actually “going the wrong way” with the use chemical fertilisers. Since using SOBAC, he might use nitrogen to increase the yield of silage, but he will not be applying any nitrogen on the grazing ground.

Livestock Kim uses limited amounts of nitrogen he actually has a higher stocking rate. His current stocking rate is 2 stocking units per hectare [or just over two], which is probably half a unit higher compared to the average going by official figures of 1.5 units.

The Aubrac calves appear to be heavier, while their daily live weight gain is 1.5 to 1.6 kilos

Grass Roots April / May 2016 11

Reseeding

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a day on the cow with no supplement – the bull calves are averaging 1.2 to 1.3, while the heifer calves are averaging 1.1 to 1.2 kilos live weight gain a day.

Kim is selling his Rouge x Beltex lambs at 40 to 42 kilo live weight, which are killing out at the correct weight of 20 to 21 kilos. These lambs are fed a grass diet and are slaughtered at an average 14 to 16 weeks.

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12 Grass Roots April / May 2016

Independence Kim claims that SOBAC has helped him to regain his financial independence and to engage in a more profitable method of farming.

Kim strongly believes that farmers should be able to make money and have it in their pocket and should be able to work out afterwards who they wants to give their money to, rather than being beholden to meal companies, to bank managers or to the big multinational companies.

Once farmers are beholden to external factors, they will always be in debt and once farmers are in debt there is nothing they can do about it.

Kim believes that by using SOBAC, farmers will be reducing their dependence on external factors to increase profitability on their farms.

Kim would definitely recommend SOBAC to anyone with an open mind who feels that they are not really going in the right direction with their present form of agriculture and who would like to change their method of farming. “I’m sure that SOBAC products have significant advantages over other types of agriculture because it’s an natural product and it’s well suited to organic, but it’s well suited to you commercial farming”.

Reseeding

Variety Choice

S

electing the right varieties for your particular requirements is critical to ensure you maximise the performance and value of your new reseed.

Varieties will perform differently depending on the management (e.g. grazing or silage). Using the DAFM Grass Recommended List and the Teagasc Pasture Profit Index will help ensure you choose the best varieties for your needs.

The main traits to focus on are spring and autumn DM yield, quality and persistency. However it is important to remember that even within the Recommended List there are big differences between the top and bottom varieties, so it’s worth ensuring you choose mixtures which contain the top performing varieties if you are reseeding in 2016.

A grazing mixture should contain approximately, 35-40% tetraploid varieties and 60-65% diploid varieties (use less tetraploid on heavy soils) with 3-4 varieties in total. Varieties should have a narrow range in heading date (7 to 10 days).

Use the new Teagasc Pasture Profit Index to help select the best varieites The Teagasc Pasture Profit Index (PPI) takes much of the guess work out of identifying the highest performing varieties. The PPI puts monetary values on the traits of importance and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each variety. Each variety then gets an overall or Total Pasture Profit Index value quantified in euros per ha per year (€ per ha/year). The highest performing late tetraploid variety on the PPI is AberGain (€199 per ha/year), Dunluce is the highest performing intermediate tetraploid (€174 per ha/year), with AberChoice the highest performing late diploid variety (€183 per ha/year) and AberMagic is the highest performing intermediate diploid (€210 per ha/year).

By Dr Mary McEvoy

Choose the top performing varieties for greater return to your farm Do not underestimate the difference between a good and a bad variety in terms of what it will deliver to your farm. There is big variation in yield and quality within the recommended list varieties.

The difference between the best and worst variety overall on the PPI is €149 per ha/year. Therefore it is worth taking the time to examine the performance of varieties and ensure you are choosing mixtures which contain the best performing varieties off the PPI. Focus on grass quality Quality is a hugely important trait within the PPI – with a difference of €104 per ha/year between the best (AberGain) and the worst variety for quality. As quality will strongly influence animal performance it is crucially important trait to focus when assessing varieties in a grass mixture. Ensuring the diploid varieties in your mixture have a high performance for quality will help deliver increased animal performance and combine the diploids with high quality tetraploids. AberChoice and Drumbo are the best diploid varieties on the PPI for quality.

The 2016 Pasture Profit Index is shown here for your information.

Grass Roots April / May 2016 13

Reseeding

AstonEnergy

The Bullet Proof Grass Variety What to look for in a grass seed mixture?

The performance of a grass seed mixture is driven by the performance of the individual varieties in the mix. The inclusion of varieties that meet the needs of your farm make a top class mix.

AccelerAte your growth

What to look for in a grazing grass variety?

While yield of a variety is essential, more specifically a farmer is often looking for a low stress high performing sward. A sward that animal can easily graze out, will maximise weight gain and can put as much milk in the tank as possible. To achieve this it is essential to select a variety with a proven track record of being grazed out consistently, has high digestibility on farm with good yield.

What variety has the best traits for grazing?

Recent results from the Teagasc Clonakilty variety study has identified AstonEnergy as the cultivar that cows graze the lowest. This is not surprising considering AstonEnergy’s typical high leaf content and erect growth habit. This allows cows to quickly get through the job of defoliating the grass, consistently leaving behind a clean sward to regrow. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) samples taken from the Teagasc on-farm variety study in 2015 identified AstonEnergy as the grass with the highest digestibility. High digestibility will increase the efficiency with which grass is converted into meat or milk. These studies have confirmed previous work that continually highlight AstonEnergy as a top class grazing variety with good yield.

AstonEnergy clearly is the grass that cows like the most and it high digestibility will convert grass to cash. AstonEnergy is included at 50% of the Diamond Hi-Digestibility mix.

Feeding your crops efficiently and effectively Pasture Sward and Cut Sward give all the nutrients your crops need, precisely as required, in one shot.

High quality CCF • Rapid melt-in • Shorter Spreading Time Highly Water Soluble • Fast Growth • Less Labour 30 Years Proven Reliability So follow best farming practice. Spread Pasture Sward or Cut Sward.

Recommendations: Grazing spread 1 - 1 1/2 bags/acre Pasture Sward First Cut Silage: spread 4 - 4 1/2 bags/acre Cut Sward Second Cut Silage: spread 3 - 3 1/2 bags/acre Cut Sward

IFI, Palmerstown, Kilkenny

Select grass mixtures based on research and technology

M

odern grass seed mixtures need to achieve a combination of higher production, digestibility, palatability and persistency in the reseeded sward. These are the key characteristics which serve to give farmers the highest return possible from their investment in reseeding with increased animal performance being the ultimate aim.

Recent Teagasc research now confirms that cows grazing tetraploid and clover based swards are yielding significantly higher levels of milk.

Furthermore, current Teagasc research is indicating that tetraploid varieties are far more persistent than previously thought and that groundcover may not be a correct barometer of persistence after all.

Grass seed assembly is the backbone of Agritech and they have long

recognised that the key criteria in the assembly of grass mixtures is including varieties that complement each other, coupled with optimum levels of clover and the inclusion of adequate levels of tetraploids. Their flagship mixture, ‘Tipperary 4A’ has since its initial formulation been based on this.

A further key step in exploiting the potential of grass is now being achieved through the application of biological seed stimulants to all of the mixtures in the Tipperary range of grass mixtures from Agritech.

Gro-Quik seed dressing is specifically designed to improve seedling establishment by accelerating germination and root development in both ryegrasses and especially clover. Gro-Quik was originally proven at London University to improve the establishment of the grass crop by 20%. Through extensive in-house research and trials, Gro-Quik has been further enhanced through the addition of numerous additional bio stimulants to the dressing. The end result today is that the grass yield benefits of the of Gro-Quik dressing are now persisting for years rather than months post establishment.

Grass Roots April / May 2016 15

AI & Breeding

Breeding 2016 ETY

NT IS H PIE M

O

IR

BELOW: Male champion (Pictured) at the Irish Angus Premier Sale in Tullamore at the end of March sold for €3900. The Bull was breed by Kevin Diffley, Clooncolligan, Bornacoola, Carrik-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Lean, tender and low in cholesterol.

The perfect breed for export and cross-breeding

ESE

ESE

SO

CI

NT

PIEMONTESE - THE QUEEN OF BEEF

Easy calving AI straws and Latest Irish and Italian straws available To Order Call: 087 638 1199

L-r: Kevin Diffley, Joe Moran (Judge) John Farrell (Irish Angus President)

Info: 089 431 4991 | Email: piemcattleadmin@gmail.com | www.irishpiemontesesociety.com

Munster AI for 2016 M

unster Cattle Breeding Group’s 2016 Dairy Sire Catalogue is again packed with top sire options for all markets. With over 40 bulls €300 EBI and up, there is a huge choice for farmers. A few bulls every year seem to catch the imagination and this season is no different.

• LWR – Longview Reliable with an EBI of €352 nearly 200kgs milk, 36kgs of milk solids,

20kgs Protein at +0.25% ticks all the boxes. Order your straws now to have any hope of securing some.

• FR2041 - Curra Royal Conor is another hot prospect. He is the highest EBI sexed semen bull available in the country with an EBI of €365.

• YAB - Bartlemy Andrew another bull in big demand with an EBI €364 and 41kgs milk solids and easy calving.

• HZB - Ballydehob Pat last seasons most used bull is again proving popular with great calves on the ground.

From the proven line-up it’s hard to go past 3 super all-round sires JKF, KYZ and

16 Grass Roots April / May 2016

PBM. All 3 transmitting high milk solids, strength and are proving to be breeding real farmers’ cows.

For the busy farmer who wants a simple system the Munster Fresh Programme is the best option. Just heat detect and ring for an AI call and Munster will do the rest. Your inbreeding worries are looked after and the panel are all high semen fertility bulls.

In the Jersey market 2 new bulls are all the rage White Star Greg and Kingpin both are high EBI and plus in milk. For the cross bred market NPY and FR2061 will be very popular.

EBI

Panel Averag e

Productio Fertilit n SI y SI

€346 €110

Milk Kg

Fat Kg

€19 19 3 7

2 0

Protei Milk Fat % n Kg Solids

16

36

Protei n%

0.2 0.20 2

Get a hybrid vigour boost and put a bit of strength back into your light Holsteins by using XGA - Gurranes Adema 278 the highest selling British Friesian last year and one of the few with a positive milk figure of +130kgs.

For further information on these sires or any others please contact 022 43228 or your rep.

PEDIGREE DRIVES PROFIT

Add value to your herd! Join the IHFA Grade-Up Scheme Base Cow

Daughter

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HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN - THE PROFITABLE BREED IRISH HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN ASSOCIATION, CLONAKILTY, CO. CORK. TEL.: 023-8833443 WEB: WWW.IHFA.IE

Call (022) 43228

AI & Breeding

Emerald Expo 2016 IHFA

Damian O’ Reilly, Broadcaster & Journalist launched the Emerald Expo 2016 at the new Virginia Show Centre!

Group photo of those in attendance at the launch with Damian including Show Chairman Richard Whelan, IHFA C.E. Charles Gallagher and Holstein Northern club Secretary John Martin.

Premier Bull Show & Sale 2016

T

he launch of Emerald Expo took place in the Virginia Show Centre, Virginia, Co. Cavan on Monday 21st of March. The guest speaker on the day was Damien O’Reilly, Broadcaster and Journalist who has strong ties with County Cavan.

Emerald Expo 2016 will take place at the Virginia Showgrounds, Virginia, Co. Cavan on Saturday May 7th.

This All Breed Dairy Show will feature over 20 classes, YMA handling classes, and six Championships.

The Judge for this year’s Expo will be Dennis Smith, “Oakroyal” herd UK. Mr Smith, who farms near Exeter, Devon, is a familiar face to Irish breeders and last year he judged the North Eastern club’s herds competition.

Victor and John O’Sullivan of Lisduff Holsteins with IHFA Premier Bull Show & Sale Champion Lisduff Elusive and Reserve Champion Lisduff Lotus. Pictured at Central Auctions, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

L

isduff Holsteins took both Champion and Reserve at the IHFA Premier Bull Show and Sale held at Central Auctions, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary on Wednesday 23rd of March.

Champion, Lisduff Elusive owned by John O’ Sullivan, Whitechurch, Co. Cork, was sired by Stonewall, from the Ellen family, with a VG85 Gomez Lee Dam. He is backed by three consecutive generations of 10,000 kg Dams.

Reserve Champion, Lisduff Lotus is a Guarini son. Lotus is bred from a Bogart dam from an EX91 4E Cradenhill Eden and an EX90 3E Grand-Dam having protein to 3.61%.

Honourable Mention was awarded to Lisnalty Bookem 1805, owned by Paul Hannan, Lisnalty herd, Crecora, Co Limerick. Bred from the Baler Twine family, having high Protein, Lisnalty Bookem is backed by a high Protein line with a predicted Protein PTA of +0.08 % There was a healthy demand at the sale and quality bulls with depth of cow families, positive protein and good conformation to the fore. The top price on the day was €4,100 for Hon. Mention Lisnalty Bookem 1805, bred by Paul Hanna, Lisnatly, Crecora, Co. Limerick. The following is a snapshop of other prices achieved on the day – Lot 7 Lot 10 Lot 13 Lot 19 Lot 23 Lot 28 Lot 35

18 Grass Roots April / May 2016

Croagh Portable, Patrick Frawley Lisduff Elusive, John O’ Sullivan Mountfarna Twister, John O’Callaghan Monamore Rumpus, Tom Kelly Lisduff Lotus, John O’ Sullivan Radney Levi5 1, Henry O’Keeffe Radney Massey 2, Henry O’Keeffe

€ 3,000 € 2,400 € 2,600 € 3,800 € 2,200 € 2,900 € 2,450

cattle

Strong demand at Hereford Premier Bull Show & Sale Tullamore

A

combination of strong Hereford calf prices at the marts and continued demand for quality assured Hereford cross steers and heifers at premium prices for the Hereford beef schemes pushed demand at the Irish Hereford Breed Society’s Premier spring bull sale at GVM Tullamore.

A large crowd attended the event with commercial producers outbidding pedigree breeders in many instances to secure the bull of their choice.

The day’s top price was reached when the hammer dropped at €4,700 for the twenty one month old Reserve Champion Castledalypoll 1 Michael. Bred by Michael and Grainne Farrell, Kilcleagh Castledaly, Moate, Co Westmeath this thick bull full of muscle is sired by their stock bull Castledaly Jeff a Bowmont Storm A584 son. The dam Castledalypoll 1 Sandy is a granddaughter to the very successful Churchill Storm V583 and is one of a small but select cow herd which is a consistent producer of quality stock.

The purchasers Summerhill Farms, Dungarvan, Co Kilkenny run a large suckler operation.

JJ Farrell, Trillick, Longford a regular amongst the prizewinners had three bulls forward at the event and what a day out for the herd. Trillick Daniel by the successful herd sire Steil Gerard sold to David Byrne, Ballykelly, Monasterevan at €4,400. Out of Cloughran Sally by Corlismore Winner he is a well-muscled bull whose full brother was exported to the UK in 2015 and was later in the year awarded Horned Hereford bull of the year.

Trillick Lawman by Free Town Hotspur a sixteen month old son to Trillick Bea sold at €3,900 to Aidan Hynes, Mountrath while the third bull from the herd Trillick Admiral 2nd again sired by Free Town Hotspur out of Steil Gerard daughter Trillick Fairy sold as a stock bull to Hereford breeder Thomas Plunkett, Castletown Finea, Mullingar at €3,700 to average a very pleasing €4,000 for the three bulls exhibited.

The Championship was awarded to Glaslough Pacesetter a bull from the herd of regular exhibitors Sam & Nigel Heatrick, Glaslough, Co Monaghan which also had three bulls on offer all by herd sire Glaslough Karl. Pacesetter a seventeen month old son to Glaslough Hattie was purchased at €3,800 by Paul Larkin, Dunderry, Navan, Co Meath. Glaslough Pete a September

Top price bull at €4,700 and Reserve Champion Castledalypoll 1 Michael with owner Michael Farrell, Kilcleagh, Castledaly, Moate

Knockmountagh Dazzler €3,800 with Purchaser Patrick Lynch, Michael O’Riordan and owner Eamonn McKiernan, Newtown, Monasterboice

born bull out of Glaslough Honey sold to Michael Morrison of Castlerichard, Killeagh, Co Cork at €3,000 while his herd sibling Glaslough Patch found a new home at Croghan, Killeshandra when bought by Brian McNally again at €3,000.

Eamon and John McKiernan, Newtown, Monasterboice, Co Louth exhibited Knockmountagh Dazzler a Hollow Point Broker son to Knockmountagh Carmel. A very promising bull he was purchased by Hereford breeder Patrick Lynch, Ullanes, Ballymaherra, Co Cork at €3,800. Charles Sweeney, Letterkenny, Co Donegal bid a further €3,800 to secure a second offering from the Co Louth duo Knockmountagh Joker 2nd. This is a Yarram Star General W251 son out of a Churchill Storm daughter Knockmountagh Edwina.

It was John Waters, Gowlan, Longford who bid €3,700 to take home Kye Manhattan 688, a Free Town Hotspur son shown by Padraig McGrath, Kye, Elphin. This September born son of Kye Patty is a granddaughter of Yarram Pompeii V055.

Cill Cormaic Moses a Cedar Liam son from David Larkin, Kilcormac, Birr sold at €3,500 to Michael Mooney all the way from Blackwater, Co Wexford to purchase a sire for his dairy herd.

Other principal prices included Feevaghmore Invader from Willie Kennedy, Ballyforan, Co Roscommon sold at €3,100 to Patrick J Killeen, Aghlish, Roscrea, Michael Molloy’s Moyclare Nevis at €3,000 to Noel Harney, Aughrim, Ballinasloe and two Aidan Farrell bred Churchill Storm sons and ET brothers at €3,000 each Mountwilliams Invincible to James Fay, Dysart and Mountwilliams Indurain to Herbert Pollock, Newtowngore, Co Leitrim.

Society President John Neenan, Broadford, Charleville who attended the event was well pleased with the sale average of €3,340, a range of €4,700 to €2,400 and a clearance of 72%.

He complimented the exhibitors on the standard of bulls forward and wished those who had purchased well.

Knockmountagh Joker 2nd with owner John McKiernan, Newtown, Monasterboice and purchaser Charles Sweeney, Letterkenny

Champion Glaslough Pacesetter €3,800 with owner Nigel Heatrick, Glaslough, Co Monaghan

Trillick Lawman €3,900 with JJ Farrell

Trillick Daniel sold at €4,400 with owner JJ Farrell, Trillick, Longford

Grass Roots April / May 2016 19

Breeding / Dairy

Solids and Components from Eurogene/LIC

E

ven though the Ai season is little more than a few weeks away, the poor Milk price is a major source of concern and most dairy farmers seem to be focused on improving the overall price of every litre of milk that leaves the farm gate.

Eurogene Aiservices believe that selecting Ai sires that can deliver high solids & components will be of paramount importance this year.

Two such sires with extreme solids & “Jersey like” Components are “Kiltrea

JACK” & “Kilteskin ACE”, both delivering around 40 Kgs of Solids, + 0.30% Fat & greater than + 0.20% Protein.

With the current milk price forecast, these bulls put Eurogene/LIC to the forefront for many of our customers commanding the top prices within their local Co-ops/discussion groups.

Kilteskin ACE was bred in East Cork by Thomas Russell of Aghada near Midleton, where he runs a successful spring calving commercial Herd.

The bull’s Keet (BWZ) Dam is in her 7th Lactation while the G’dam has completed 9 lactations.

Both cows have consistently calved back in regularly and have delivered 500 to 650 kgs of milk solids per lactation, both cows are pictured on this page.

Eurogene Aiservices have a broad range of Sires including the No. 1 bull available, Lucky Whistler (WLY) who is also daughter proven.

In this current era of Genomics and given the fast pace of genetic progress, it is actually remarkable that a daughter proven sire has once again moved to the top of the “Active Bull” list, managing to stay ahead of the recent high ranking genomic sires.

Eurogene also have two outstanding sons of WLY, namely MAESTRO (FR2053) & GLOSS (YKG) whose EBI’s come in just behind their Sire at €363 & €359 respectively, both offer extreme Solids & Fertility.

The LIC product range is also strong this year and in the main will be offering “daughter proven” Genetics whose EBI’s are well ahead of their contemporises.

(PSQ) Solaris has been extremely popular with many Irish farmers who are delighted with his Irish milking daughters re-ordering him again.

There are quite a few Mint Edition sons now proven in both New Zealand & Ireland and these will provide an outcross opportunity for many breeders looking to diversify away from the more popular bloodlines of recent years.

Buster & Kellsbells have also climbed substantially up the New Zealand BW Rankings & also offer extreme solids and components.

Eurogene/ LIC are also proud of the fact that ¾’s of the top daughter proven sires in Ireland (* based on the latest ICBF December proof run) have been marketed by them.

These daughters are now starting to prove their real worth, hence it is no wonder that well over half of the Top 2,000 Cows in the Country are sired by a Eurogene/LIC bull.

Glanbia’s Response to Price Volatility

V

olatility is one of the key strategic issues facing the global dairy industry. An integral part of Glanbia Ingredients Ireland (GII) strategy is to focus on developing Schemes for the GII supply base to reduce risk, increase competitiveness and provide opportunities for milk suppliers to plan and secure the margin earned from the production of milk.

Fixed Milk Price Schemes GII’s seven fixed milk price schemes since 2011 have been acknowledged as an innovative tool that helps farmers and customers cope with the price volatility challenge. In 2015 and 2016, GII’s innovative fixed milk price schemes are delivering real benefits to participating farmers.

GII have continued to evolve their offering, with an ambition to have multiple initiatives in place to manage income volatility for their supply base. In 2015,

20 Grass Roots April / May 2016

for the first time, Scheme 6 from GII included an optional feed element. This innovative partnership between GII and Glanbia Agribusiness gave dairy farmers the option of fixing the price for a set tonnage of Glanbia Agribusiness concentrate feeds for delivery and payment between August and December 2016.

Glanbia MilkFlex Fund

Building on the success achieved with the Fixed Milk Price Schemes, GII focused on addressing other areas that impact the profitability/stability of milk suppliers’ business, specifically the availability of competitively priced and appropriately structured farm funding. A considerable investment of energy and resources by the GII team resulted in the launch, on 9 March 2016, of the €100m MilkFlex Fund. The announcement received a very positive response from independent commentators in Ireland and internationally, with EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan describing it as “ground-breaking”.

Finance Ireland will manage the origination of loans from the Fund and will require a clear business case in order to justify the lending decision. Each applicant must meet eligibility and underwriting criteria. It is important to stress that GII will not be involved in lending decisions or in the provision of advice or otherwise to individual suppliers in relation to participating in the Fund.

DAIRY

Dairy Farming In Ireland – twelve months after the abolition of milk quotas.

79% of respondents feel better off after the abolition of milk quota

T

he 1st April 2015 was heralded as the dawn of a new era of farming in Ireland with the abolition of EU milk quota. Twelve months ago, an air of optimism developed as Ireland’s dairy farmers said ‘Au Revoir’ to milk quotas and could now expand their enterprises to produce as much milk as they like. by Eoin McCarthy It was claimed that the removal of these quotas would give Ireland a unique opportunity to increase milk production by 50% and bring an additional €1 billion into the Irish economy.

The removal of these quotas did come with a warning as president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, John Comer, expressed fears that the removal of quotas would spark a major increase in milk supply across Europe, followed by a collapse in prices.

Comer claimed that “We don’t want to see farmers being forced into insolvency when there’s an oversupply.”

It has been a turbulent twelve months for Irish dairy farmers due to external political and economic factors notably the Russian import ban on EU dairy exports, while a major slowdown in dairy consumption in China has seen a decrease

in demand for EU and Irish dairy products in the world’s most populous country.

To celebrate the twelve month anniversary after the abolition of milk quota, Eoin McCarthy of GrassRoots Farm Magazine conducted research in dairy farmers’ attitude towards their industry during this critical time of low prices.

It was a nationwide survey to determine dairy farmers’ attitudes towards their industry and how they plan to overcome the challenges that they currently face.

Individuals who participated in this research are currently dairy farming and range from new entrants to established dairy farmers. To ensure the authentic of this research and to give an accurate reflection of dairy farming in Ireland, dairy farmers were contacted directly via social media requesting them to answer a short survey consisting of 5 questions.

Data recently released by the EU’s Milk Market Observatory (MMO) indicated that Irish milk prices have dropped from top to mid table in the EU league as dairy farmers are currently paid 24 cent / litre. Despite current low prices, Ireland’s dairy farmers do actually feel better off twelves months after the abolition of milk quota.

The majority of participants cited “opportunity” or “ability to expand” their business after the abolition of milk quota as positive outcome, while they now have a “freedom” in the decision making process to farm without the need to pull back their ambition because of milk quotas.

One participant claimed that he/she did not feel better off financially in the short term, but the scope is there to expand the business as they

Grass Roots April / May 2016 21

DAIRY see fit without major investment in quota.

While another respondent claimed that despite current low milk prices, once they return to 30 cent/litre their farm will be making more money than they were at 38 c/l with milk quotas.

Dairy farmers who do not feel better off after the abolition of milk quota cited “milk price” deflation due to extra milk on the world market as a factor, while another respondent who answered no pointed out that the “co-op has no reason to pay a sustainable price now”.

One of these dairy farmer, who does not feel better off, observed that “farmers in Ireland were encouraged to increase based on the assumption that we would not affect supply demand curve as we are only a drop in the ocean in a world context. It seems as though our extra milk is significant globally unfortunately because of the inelastic side of the demand curve” When asked about plans to reduce their production costs 79% of respondents are planning to reduce their cost of production this year - 32% of respondents plan to reduce costs by focusing on improving grassland management - 20% of respondents plan to reduce the amount of meal / ration fed per cow - 16% of respondents plan to reduce their amount fertiliser they spread One participant claimed that they would lower cow live weights, but is planning

22 Grass Roots April / May 2016

on getting better solids from their jersey cross cows by producing more solids from grazed grass and feeding less meal. While another participant plans on feeding for cow condition rather than yield.

Other methods cited by respondents to reduce their cost of production included - culling less profitable cows or poor performing cows, - more efficient use of bought in feed, - cutting out non-essential spend, depending on family labour to reduce wages, - maintaining P and K, - dropping milk recording, - no expenditure on machinery, - no capital expenditure, - holding less replacements and making less silage [if possible] while have a big enough reserve - reduce use of vaccinations and contractors 21% of respondents do not plan to reduce their cost of production this year, while one participant claimed that he/she will increase their production due to herd maturity that will dilute their already low cost of production.

Interestingly - 44% of respondents who have a positive outlook on dairy farming this year, opposed the introduction of “voluntary milk supply controls” on a temporary basis for six months,

DAIRY

“Most dairy farmers in New Zealand have shut their cheque book and are soldiering through the current dairy downturn”

Dairy Farming in New Zealand, a Kiwi perspective

I

n New Zealand, Fonterra analysts and their ‘in market experts’ have been criticised for their inability to predict the current season forecast payout to dairy farmers.

These experts initially predicted their market pick at $3.85, then changed it to $4.60, then at the start of the 2016 changed it to $4.15 and in March they have retreated to $3.90. $3.90 kg/Milk Solids (MS) is the equivalent of 16 cent/litre; it will be extremely difficult for dairy farmers in New Zealand to survive, especially when DairyNZ estimates that farmers need a payout of $5.25kg/MS to break even.

In what has been labelled Fonterra’s ‘black Tuesday’, the company has defended its decision to further reduce its current season forecast payout on a ‘perfect storm’ of circumstances for the pricing volatility it has experienced.

It has pointed to lower demand from the Chinese and Russian markets as a major factor in the global ‘imbalance’ of the international dairy trade. It has also highlighted the impact of European production increasing faster than expected.

On March 23rd Fonterra announced its first half results for the six months ending 31st January 2016, these results indicate that their profit after tax more than doubled to NZ$409m (€246m).

Fonterra’s profit announcement offers little relief for struggling farmers who will be forced to borrow billions more from the banks to keep afloat, claimed Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson David Clark.

Clark also claimed that “a quarter of our farmers could still go out of business and there are 100,000 small businesses suffering the effects of the diary downturn”.

GrassRoots Farm Magazine contacted Robert Hathaway, a dairy farmer in Reporoa New Zealand, who claimed that most dairy farmers there have shut their cheque book and are soldiering through the current dairy downturn.

Despite the current downturn, Robert remains positive by claiming that milk prices will come right eventually.

With recent measurers introduced by the Council of EU agricultural ministers in Brussels to assist European dairy farmers to overcome the current downturn, their counterparts in the southern hemisphere do not enjoy such assistance.

Robert claims their government has done nothing to help dairy farmers to overcome low milk price, nor would he expect them to do anything either.

“It’s not the government’s job to prop up business; you may end up helping people who shouldn’t really be there [dairy farming]. Good farmers will get through anything no matter what. There are other ways government can help without handing out cash” he said.

“The Reserve Bank has kept interest rates low, which has helped.”

“Although, dairy farmers in New Zealand can get assistance from various government organisations, there is no direct payments from their government as such”, Robert comments in a direct reference to the basic payment scheme European farmers receive from Brussels.

Robert highlights the importance of communicating with your bank, your accountant and your farm advisor regularly to overcome current low milk prices.

He also recommends doing budgets and sticking to them. He advises working out everything to the last cent as “you’ll be surprised what you can save, but still do good production”.

He claims that they are not out of the woods in New Zealand, but to focus on the positives as good times will return. “We all just have to bunker down and ride it out”, he concluded.

Grass Roots April / May 2016 23

DAIRY

Dairy Crisis is Global but Issues Still Similar

by Eoin McCarthy

J

enni Tilton-Flood farms in Maine, USA on a dairy farm of 3,400 cows. Grassroots Farm Magazine got her opinion on the current crisis and what Ireland can learn from America.

1. Are you aware of the crisis in milk prices in Ireland following the abolition of EU milk quota last year?

Despite being almost half a world away the crises that face dairy farmers throughout Ireland, UK and Europe are something that farmers like myself are very much aware. Though many of us, myself included, do not have a firm grasp of all the details and our pricing systems are very different, we certainly understand the struggle of trying to ensure a price commensurate with Cost of Production, as well as the realisation that there is a “lost profit” that seems to find its way to the “middle man” and escapes the farmer.

2. Have you experienced price volatility in America and if so what did you do to combat price volatility?

When it comes to pricing for milk in the U.S. there is a volatility and unpredictability specifically, in my opinion, due to the fact that the price for the majority of fluid milk is not determined by the laws of supply and demand, but rather through a process known as the Federal Milk Marketing Order. While dairy farmers known as being “price takers” one of the best ways to combat low prices is to try and keep Cost of Production numbers down. The art of balancing that and quality milk production is just that: a balancing act. While the past few years we saw record high prices we also had periods of record high input costs which resulted in some lost opportunities to maximise profits. Sometimes it seems like the pendulum never swings just right for the dairy farmer, regardless of what country they call home.

3. What did the American government do to help dairy farmers overcome low milk prices?

While the American government does not subsidise dairy farmers directly for their milk production there are various programs that assist with unfunded mandates, and others that provide a balance and insurance for the risks farmers take making their purchases and running their businesses on the retail market and depending upon a wholesale market to sell their goods. One of the programs designed to help cushion the blow of precipitous drops in milk prices and balance against costs is the Dairy Margin Protection Plan. In my home state of Maine our State government recognised the danger and instability that our pricing system causes and created the Maine Dairy Stabilisation Act to help our dairy farms be able to navigate the volatility of pricing.

4. What can the Irish dairy farmer learn from their counterparts in America to overcome low milk prices?

There is no magic fix that American dairy farmers can offer. But ensuring consumer confidence and increasing consumption and demand is always a good thing. Promoting all the different paths to good stewardship and care, encouraging farmer to consumer conversation and paying close attention to growing the young farmers helps to strengthen dairy farmers and their stake. If there are lessons to learn it is that fractured infighting can weaken agriculture; failure to maintain contact with consumers and a focus on “one way” to farm as opposed to encouraging new growth, new technology and new farmers lessens the power and control dairy farmers have. Irish dairy has been very good at branding and exporting, something all successful dairy industries have been adept at. Continuation of those efforts in conjunction with widening consumer base support, consumption, as well as streamlining input costs and of course remaining a vocal, constructive voice in policy making can all contribute to overcoming the ever present challenges that face dairy farmers in Ireland, and around the world.

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mcmahonconcreteproducts@gmail.com 24 Grass Roots April / May 2016

DAIRY

P

atrick O’Meara AIB Agri Advisor, discusses the importance of managing cashflow, examines how to calculate your breakeven milk price and outlines the three steps to dealing with cashflow pressure.

2016 will be a difficult year on many Irish dairy farms. The relatively high average milk price experienced in recent year has declined by over 36% since 2013 and it is clear, at this stage, that the average price in 2016 will not be anywhere near the prices achieved in 2013 and 2014.

While at a national level the dairy sector is in a strong position, it is important that all dairy farmers review their own situation to determine the impact that another year of low milk prices could have on their business.

Calculating your break-even price

A useful starting position for some at the beginning of the year is to review the most recent Profit and Loss accounts for the farm and looking ahead ask ‘What is the break-even milk price that I need this year to cover farm costs, living expenses, repayments and income tax, assuming all other things are equal?’

Calculating a farm’s break-even milk price is an entirely farm specific exercise.

It is the milk price that your farm business needs to meet all cash commitments.

This calculation should include both capital and interest financial repayments, drawings/household expenses and taxation. It should exclude depreciation as this is a non-cash expense (the capital portion of repayments is included in its place). This exercise allows you establish at what price your business will be in a cash deficit.

I have included an example of a break even calculation for a dairy farm. Table 1 shows a farmer supplying 400,000 litres. In this example the break-even milk price is 27.5c/litre of milk supplied, which is typical of many farms. It is important to note that this example doesn’t include any capital development or change of stock values.

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Table 1: Farmer supplying 400,000 litres of milk Figures used for illustrative purposes only.

€

C / litre

85,000

21.25

-

-

Bank Repayments

15,000

3.75

Drawings / Living expenses (required from farm)

35,000

8.75

Income Tax

5,000

1.25

Total costs

140,000

35.00

Less Income from non-milk sales (calves / culls / beef / direct payments)

-30,000

-7.50

Total Income required from milk sales

110,000

27.5c / litre

Farm costs (excluding Depreciation and Bank Interest) Capital Expenditure from Cashflow

Break-even milk price

27.5c / litre

Completion of this exercise should highlight your existing position, whether or not you need to take further action such as reducing costs or adding value to your output, and how much action you need to take. It is important to consider how items will change when contemplating the exercise.

Some farmers are likely to experience periods of cashflow deficits this year and I believe that farmers should take a three step approach to dealing with cashflow pressure or even potential cashflow pressure: Understand the cause of the cashflow pressure (or likely cashflow pressure) It is important to understand the cause of cashflow pressure on your farm

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DAIRY as this will give you a real insight into how your business is positioned for the medium term. While the low milk price may be the trigger for the cashflow pressure currently experienced or anticipated, there may also be other reasons impacting on the farms cashflow including:

• Building up livestock from cashflow • Carrying out capital expenditure from cashflow (or a portion of it, from cashflow)

• High level of bank debt / high level of bank repayments • Farm has a high cost of production • High level of drawings • High machinery costs • Restricted herd / disease / other on farm issues • Once off high costs • Once you have identified the cause (and/or causes), this will enable you to put a plan in place to take corrective action.

Estimate the size of support required:

When you are planning for the coming year, it is important to estimate how much additional support your business will require, if any. You will need to make certain assumptions around output price, performance, costs and living expenses. In general, the best starting point is to review the previous year and estimate based on pervious performance.

A cashflow projection for the coming year will help highlight how much of a shortfall will arise (if any) and when it will arise. This will enable you to put the most appropriate solution in place for your business at an early stage rather than continually reacting to cashflow problems during the year. A simple cashflow planning template is available at www.aib.ie/farming.

Develop a solution:

Once you understand the cause of the cashflow pressure and from completing the cashflow projection you will now know how much of a shortfall your business

26 Grass Roots April / May 2016

is likely to incur and you can develop a solution. This will put you in a strong position if you are meeting your bank to seek support.

It is worth highlighting that the earlier you develop a solution the more options that may be available to you. For instance if the solution was to reduce living expenses or place a loan on interest only, the earlier you take action, the greater impact this will have on your business.

While a period of interest only for existing bank borrowing is appropriate for some, there are a number of other options that should be considered, including postponing building up dairy cow numbers for a period or placing recent capital expenditure from cashflow on a term loan.

From AIB’s perspective, the typical support measures that are available to customers experiencing short term cashflow difficulties include: 01. Short-term increase to working capital facilities 02. Short-term loan facilities 03. An interest only period on existing facilities.

In some instances, the cost of credit may increase as a result of these measures.

If you are experiencing or expect to experience cashflow difficulties, the important thing is to remember that are a number of support options available.

Take the time to inform yourself, identify the cause or causes of the problem and estimate the level of support required. Solutions are best tailored at an early stage and early contact with your bank, if support is required, is key.

For those of you who would like to speak to somebody in AIB on how we can help you and your business, contact your local AIB branch or call 1890 47 88 33 (available 8am-9pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm on Saturdays).

Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age. Security may be required. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Recent dramatic changes in our understanding of lameness

V

eterinarian Roger Blowey has highlighted the increasing importance of digital dermatitis (DD) related infections that appear to be affecting the hoof rather than just the skin.

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“The first of these conditions, commonly referred to as toe necrosis or seedy toe, is seen as a non-healing, stinking open sore at the toe. “ No-one is sure how it starts, but once established it is very difficult to treat. Part of the problem seems to be that the infection penetrates deep into the inside of the hoof, producing a honeycomb of soft, substandard and infected horn. Many herdsmen will have seen this condition. A related condition is the challenge of non-healing white line lesions, sometimes referred to as wall ulcers and DD infected sole ulcers.”

“Treatment of these non-healing hoof lesions consists of removing all the under-run, dead and black horn, applying a topical dressing of antibiotic or some other antibacterial substance and often also injecting long acting antibiotics. Even then, response to treatment is disappointing and in the more severe cases the affected claw frequently has to be amputated.”

Roger Blowey continued: “There seems to be two changes taking place in these non-healing hoof lesions. In the first instance, the corium, or quick, that produces the hoof is becoming infected with the digital dermatitis organisms.

This, possibly, is the reason why the corium is no longer able to produce proper hoof. Moreover, the inflammation created by the DD infection, leads to the production of small, sharp bone spicules on the pedal bone.

These then penetrate into the corium, leading to further disruption. With digital dermatitis infection below and sharp spikes of bone above, the corium simply never heals and affected cows either have to have a block applied almost permanently until they are sold barren, or have the claw amputated.”

The renowned veterinarian went on to point out that it is currently unknown how the transmission of digital dermatitis occurs from cow to cow. It can almost always be found in the lesion, but surprisingly not in slurry or anywhere in the environment. Significantly, a recent research project undertook to determine if DD is present on hoof knives or hands of those working with cattle. Hoof knives and hands were swabbed after known infected and uninfected cows were trimmed. Data showed that

100% of hoof knives used had one or more of the three infectious agents that cause DD on them. Fortunately, all swabs came back negative after trimming had been carried out on herd which was DD free.

Roger Blowey added: “Unfortunately, simple disinfection of the hoof knife did not always remove the infection. This work shows that the hoof knife is a potential vector, but the importance of this cannot be assessed because it is not known how long the organism lives on the knife. Clearly, hoof knives and hand are not the only vectors.”

So what can be done to control digital dermatitis? As treatment appears to have a low response rate, prevention is clearly vital. Prevention is based on the control of digital dermatitis, i.e. keeping underfoot conditions for the cows as clean and dry as possible, and by frequent foot-bathing.

An increasing number of herds are now foot-bathing cows daily, often twice daily, and this includes foot-bathing dry cows and transition cows at least once daily. As in teat dipping for the prevention of mastitis, it is clearly much more effective to foot-bath cows to prevent infection from becoming established on the foot than to wait until infection is present and hoping you can do something about it.”

Roger Blowey concluded: “As one person suggested, foot-bathing is no longer optional in herds where these lesions exist, it is now a necessity!”

Provita have developed a range of Hoofcare products to aid the management of lameness in cattle: Hoofsure Endurance, a scientifically formulated biodegradable footbath solution containing a blend of organic acid, tea-tree oil and wetting agents; Hoofsure Konquest, a highly concentrated organic acid and tea-tree oil hoof gel with potent penetrating action and Hoofsure Combat, a unique film-forming spray containing organic acid and tea-tree oil which provides long-lasting action Used correctly, Hoofsure Endurance for footbathing and Hoofsure Konquest and Combat on individual cows, the Hoofsure range is highly effective and fast-acting.

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Eoin: 086 170 1609 Grass Roots April / May 2016 27

beef

Why are Trace elements required at grass?

T

urning dairy cows out to grass at this time of the year reduces work-load indoors and is also of benefit to the cow’s health and overall performance.

It is very however important to supplement cow’s with trace element, while at grass. Grass tends not to fully cover the trace elements requirements of high production animals.

Spring grass can be lush and high in sugars and soluble nitrogen. In addition, the high concentration of water in young grass can upset the rumen balance.

This results in an increased gastro-intestinal movement, diarrhoea and poor utilisation of the ingested grass. This leads to a reduction of the trace element absorption, plus high levels of trace element loss through the cow’s faeces and urine. In addition, some parts of the country have high concentrations of antagonists (like molybdenum, iron, sulphur etc) which can lead to trace element absorption deficiencies.

What a difference the weather makes The heavy rain in recent months can leech trace elements from both grass and soil. In addition, trace elements have low ‘thermo-resistance’ which can lead to poor trace element absorption during the summer months.

Control plan So in general, there is a requirement to supplement with trace elements to ensure optimum performance, optimum fertility and to prevent deficiencies.

There are several ways to administer trace elements, which includes in the ration, in the water, mineral buckets and bolusing.

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28 Grass Roots April / May 2016

Zinc, Iodine, Selenium and Cobalt which are all required by the cow while on grass. Uniquely it lasts 250 days and basically covers the cow from turnout to housing next autumn. It is very convenient and one bolus covers up the period of reproduction, pregnancy and lactation. Plus, there is very little trace element losses in the animal with this bolus, as the animal just gets what it needs on a daily basis.

For further information contact your local Osmonds Rep or call Caroline/ Colette on 01-466 7988 or visit www.osmonds.ie

Farmers have been warned to be extra vigilant when calving this season, following a number of recent attacks on farmers including one involving Kerry TD, Michael Healy Rae.

I

rish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) suckler chairman Dermot Kelleher advised farmers not to be complacent before, during or after calving.

“Heifers are definitely the ones to watch with sucklers generally more temperamental,” he said.

“Limousins, Saler and Charolais breeds in particular can take up to 3 to 5 days to calm down following calving.

“A good calving gate is worth its weight in gold for optimum control of the animal. At the very least ensure the head is tied, but a calving gate is essential in my opinion.”

beef

ICSA CAUTIOUSLY WELCOMES TURKISH LIVE EXPORTS PROGRESS “It will be the farmer that will end up paying in the end” ICSA Suckler chairman Dermot Kelleher referring to a 21 day quarantine for live exports to Turkey.

T

he Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has welcomed the prospect of the Turkish marketing opening to live Irish cattle, writes Eoin McCarthy.

Figures released by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) indicate that majority of cattle imported into Turkey came from South America last year in particular Uruguay, who exported 150,000 cattle to the Turkish market.

France exported over 120,000 head to Turkey in 2015, but with Bluetongue problems there, Turkish authorities are looking to Ireland as a major EU supplier, that according to IFA National Livestock Chairman Henry Burn.

The opening of this lucrative market comes with specific ICSA Suckler chairman animal health requirements and Dermot Kelleher. a possible 21 day quarantine period before shipping. ICSA suckler chairman Dermot Kelleher expressed his disappointed with the 21 day quarantine period that may be imposed.

Mr Kelleher said “The last thing we need is more red tape and restrictions that will militate against this move being a success. Keeping cattle in quarantine for three weeks is an expensive prospect for any exporter. We can only hope that the price of the quarantine won’t impact too much on the price paid to producers.”

Mr Kelleher, who has been suckler farming for the last thirty years, claimed that suckler farmers need to be paid €2.75 per/kg at a minimum for a 300kg animal and if that €2.75kg is going to be eaten up by paying for quarantine, “it won’t be any use to the suckler farmer, because he won’t be making any money” he said.

He highlighted the importance of exporting calves/weanlings as in his opinion “it keeps the buyers more honest”.

If you do not export the calf of this country you are “wasting your time” because this country was never able to give him “a reasonable living” and give the man finishing cattle or the factories a reasonable living out of the same animal, he claimed.

He criticised the Irish beef industry by claiming that it is a “glorified pyramid scheme” that prevents the suckler farmer and weanling buyer

from making a profit.

He indicated that under the current system of beef production from the suckler farmer, to the man who buys the weanlings and the meat processors all need to make their own profit.

However, he claimed that “our factory owners are some of the richest men in Europe, now the finisher will have to lose or I will have to lose at the moment because there is not money between us”.

“In order words, I contend that we do not have any beef industry in the country, it is a glorified pyramid scheme, because I’ll have to lose money and the lad near me might make a few pound, but the factory will end up making all of the money” he added.

BEEF PRICE CONTINUES TO HARDEN – IFA

I

FA National Livestock Chairman Henry Burns said beef prices continue to harden with factories paying up to €4.00 base for steers and €4.10 base for heifers.

He said supplies had tightened severely in recent days with some factories unable to procure enough cattle this week to keep the kill going.

In addition, he said finishers are negotiating away penalties on carcase weights in deals involving steers and bulls.

Henry Burns said factories are very active in trying to pin down stock over the next number of weeks and months. He said it is very clear that there will be no early grass cattle and numbers will get very tight. He said finishers with stock should dig in hard with the factories and insist on strong price increases together with favourable specifications for any cattle that they commit.

Henry Burns said some factories are continuing to offer a base of €3.90/3.95 to regular customers but are willing to pay more outside their area and to less regular clients. He said bulls are making €3.90/4.00/ kg. Cows are also moving positively with prices ranging from €3.20 to €3.70/kg.

Grass Roots April / May 2016 29

beef

OPENING OF TURKISH MARKET LIKELY TO RESULT IN AN-UPLIFT IN PRICE FOR YOUNGER LIGHTER WEANLINGS THERE

JOE BURKE OF BORD BIA.

It has been documented that the opening of the Turkish market to live Irish exports comes with specific animal health requirements and a possible 21 day quarantine period before shipping, writes Eoin McCarthy.

T

his three week quarantine period is consistent of what Turkish authorities demand of their other suppliers including France and Uruguay, that’s according to Joe Burke of Bord Bia. Mr. Burke indicated that economics of scale would help exporters to overcome such a lengthy quarantine period. He said that the scale of some of the orders being discussed with potential customers are in his own

30 Grass Roots April / May 2016

words potentially “very big” with some consignments of upwards of 1000 to 1500 cattle per shipment currently in negotiation.

Mr. Burke suggested that exporters will have to work the cost of a three week quarantine period into the equation when pricing the job to ensure profitability.

He highlighted the fact that when France started exporting cattle to Turkey at the start of last year it immediately resulted in an-uplift in price for younger lighter weanlings there, “so it’s likely that it will have a similar effect here” he said.

The Turkish market imports continental cross type cattle that are under 12 months of age and no more than 300kg weight.

He said that the price per kilo will be high, yet the weight limit of 300kgs might be limiting for some farmers who have a preference of putting their weanling bulls into the 350 - 400 kg category.

It is likely that exports will be looking to buy weanlings at an average weight of less than 280 kgs given that these weanlings will most likely put on a bit of weight during the period that they will be in quarantine.

The Turkish market might be a market for weanling bulls that were born last May or June, who were “tail enders”, and who are not as heavy as their counterparts and would be an ideal opportunity to get a good price for them.

France exported over 120,000 head to Turkey in 2015 and aaccording to Mr Burke, the Turkish market has given preference to French weanlings from the pure suckler breed.

Pure Charolais weanling or pure Limousine weanling receive a higher price per kilo compared to weanlings crossed with dairy cattle for example some weanling bulls that have been exported there would have been cross out of the dairy herd so for example “they might have been out of a Montbeliarde cow or out of a Friesian cow, but with a beef sire, they would not take a pure Friesian bull or a pure Montbeliarde bull”.

The Turkish market would also accept a Limousine cross or a Hereford cross [with dairy cattle] at a lower price per kg compared to pure suckler bred cattle; price according to Mr. Burke depends on the conformation rather than the actual breed.

Tillage

FAILURE TO RENEW THE AUTHORISATION OF GLYPHOSATE WILL LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT LAND ABANDONMENT On 22nd March last, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee passed a resolution which recommend that the European Commission should not renew the approval of the herbicide substance glyphosate on the EU market until 2031.

by Eoin McCarthy

M

MEP Pavel Poc (S&D, CZ), who drafted the motion for a resolution, claimed that “Glyphosate has been classified as probably carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

While the industry claimed that the substance can be completely metabolised, it is now clear that glyphosate residues are everywhere: in the environment, in many products we consume every day, in our bodies”.

Under this non-binding resolution MEPs want the European Commission and the European Food Safety Authority to “immediately disclose all the scientific evidence that has been a basis for the positive classification of glyphosate”, while the EU Food and Veterinary Office should also be mandated to test and monitor glyphosate residues in foods and drinks.

Despite these concerns, IFA National Grain Committee Chairman Liam Dunne criticised the EU for failing to renew the approval of the herbicide glyphosate in the absence of alternative active ingredients to control economically important weeds by claiming that this decision will deliver “a killer blow” to the Irish and wider EU tillage sector.

Mr Dunne said, “It is very clear that this issue is being used as a political football by a small number of vested interest groups to drive on their own agenda. It is important that any decision to approve or not approve plant protection products is based on the best scientific evidence available and not on political ideologies.

“Europe is one of the world’s largest producers of cereals producing close on 340mt which accounts for 13% of world production. It ranks as the largest exporter of wheat onto the world market and any major disruption to production would cause a significant spike in grain and food prices – a repeat of what happened in 2007.

“Politics, rather than science, has been the main driver behind several important decisions taken in relation to crop production technologies in recent years. This has the potential to destroy the EU crop production sector in the near to medium term thus leading to significant land abandonment” he added.

Agricultural Science Association President, Neil Keane has being quoted in media criticising the focus of the debate. He said “The fact that a license renewal has become a political rather than scientific process is a huge cause for concern, as are calls for an independent review of the comprehensive independent review already undertaken by the EFSA.” “It is critically important that decisions of this nature are based on independent scientific opinion and risk analysis and, because of this, the Agricultural Science Association would urge all involved in the renewal of the glyphosate license to adopt a science-based approach,”

Grass Roots April / May 2016 31

1 2 p a g e s o f mac h i n e r y

FAC Farm & Contractor

Machinery

KRONE SAYS COMPRIMA Xtreme MAKES “BIGGER, TIGHTER” BALES – FASTER! “The reason is simple – Krone has a 5-row camless pickup that runs 30% faster than anything else on the market. That’s why the Comprima is way quicker than the competition” says Farmhand Sales Director, David Borland.

“The reason is simple – Krone has a 5-row camless pickup that runs 30% faster than anything else on the market. That’s why the Comprima is way quicker than the competition” says Farmhand Sales Director, David Borland.

“We have been concentrating on the F155, which can make bales from 4ft up to 5ft size. More and make it bigger than anyone else. That means less plastic, less handling, less waste” So how does the Comprima Xtreme make a tighter bale? “When the chamber is empty it’s 3ft diam. And when you start baling you fill and pack the 3ft chamber first and this gives you a very tight core, even at high forward speed. Then the chamber increases as the bale is tightened up to over 4ft, even 5ft if required.”

“Fixed chamber balers only tighten the bale from the outside in when the bale is fully formed – the

centre can never be as tight as the Comprima’s. So what farmers are saying the tighter bales result in better silage quality and last better; some report that 3 (4ft) Comprima bales last as long as 4 made with a roller baler.”

The feedback from the Comprimas that have been out working the past three seasons is fantastic.

Contractors comment on how reliable and easy it is to drive and farmers always choose it as it makes the best quality bale.

“I would certainly buy a Krone again, they’re so reliable and easy to maintain!”

Norman Eager, Naas, Kildare “It’s unbelievable how you can chop and compact with the Comprima. There is nothing like it” Mark Maguire, Clones, Co. Monaghan “This is my 6th Krone baler and then next one will be another Krone. They make a fabulous bale!”

Richard Kissane, Co. Kerry “Other bales look alright but the centre is nothing compared to the Comprima. It’s the most dense bale around” Enda Doran, Kilbedly, Co. Galway “My drivers always bring the F155 first, they are running in the yard in the morning to get to it” David Todd, Portadown, Co. Armagh

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machinery

The New Holland demo is always a big hit at Grass & Muck.

FTMTA GRASS & MUCK 2016 Preparations are progressing well for the Irish farm machinery highlight of the year, FTMTA Grass & Muck 2016 at Gurteen College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary (near Birr) on Wednesday, May 12th.

Exhibition space at FTMTA Grass & Muck has been fully sold well in advance for what will be the major farm machinery event in Ireland in 2016, which is organised by the trade association of the farm machinery industry.

T

he Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) is the representative body for the farm machinery industry in Ireland. The membership of the Association compromises of businesses engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution, retail sale and servicing of farm machinery. The Association is also the organiser of the premier farm machinery event in Ireland, the biennial FTMTA Farm Machinery Show which is the largest indoor agricultural event of any kind in Ireland. The next FTMTA Farm Machinery Show will be held at Punchestown Event Centre near Naas during February 2017.

FTMTA Grass & Muck was first held in 2010 and is now a regular biennial event run by FTMTA on alternate years to the FTMTA Farm Machinery Show at Punchestown; both events are run in accordance with the ethos of “organised by the trade for the farmer and contractor”.

It is hoped to continue to build on the success of the three previous such events in 2010, 2012 and 2014 to deliver an even more popular FTMTA Grass & Muck in 2016. FTMTA CEO, Gary Ryan commented that the Association is pleased to once again use the excellent facilities and central location of Gurteen College which has proven to be a such successful site for this event in the past.

The focus at FTMTA Grass & Muck is very much on working machinery with ongoing demonstrations throughout the day in the grass harvesting, reseeding, silage pit, slurry spreading and farm yard manure spreading areas. A large trade stand area for non demonstrating exhibitors will also be provided in a central position at the event.

34 Grass Roots April / May 2016

The event has proven very popular with exhibitors and the Irish farming public alike with approximately 9,500 visitors in 2014. The 2016 event should prove to be even more popular due to the launch of a number of new grass machines and ranges such as the McHale mowers and Malone rakes and tedders.

While weather conditions have been difficult across the entire country since December, the Gurteen site is an exceptionally dry location and grass cover is reported to be encouraging at this stage. Slurry has been spread on the grass demonstration fields using an umbilicial system in recent weeks to minimise any potential ground damage and overall the site is in good condition.

FTMTA Grass & Muck 2016 promises to be another high calibre and professionally organised event from the FTMTA. Approximately 40 of the exhibitors will be active in one or other of the demonstration areas. Demonstrations of various types and brands of silage making equipment will be conducted by over 25 firms on in excess of 80 acres of grass with a number of loader brands demonstrating at the silage pit. There will also be a number of exhibitors demonstrating a variety of slurry and dung spreading equipment on maize stubble and grass ground with a number of other firms demonstrating reseeding equipment on a plot of tilled ground.

The trade stand area continues to grow considerably at this event with over 100 trade stands this year, exclusively focussed on agriculture. Exhibitors will showcase a wide range of products from many brands of tractors, farm machinery and accessories to animal care products, seeds and agro chemicals. In keeping with the FTMTA ethos only stands from genuinely agricultural focussed businesses are excepted.

Notwithstanding the very significant trade stand area, this event is all about the demonstration of working machinery. The demonstration plots will give farmers and contractors the best opportunity to assess the many machines in action. This is a unique opportunity to see a wide range of the latest technologies in silage and grass management machinery in operation in Ireland and a variety of new machines from some new suppliers as well as the more established exhibitors will be in action on the day.

Tickets for the event can either be bought on the day or, alternatively, tickets will soon be available on line from a link on the home page of the FTMTA website at www.ftmta.ie which will take you to the secure ticket sales site. People buying tickets in this way will receive an e-ticket by email. Online tickets will be available at a discount to the standard charge of €15 on the day. A good value combined ticket offering admission and a breakfast roll with tea or coffee will also be available on line for a limited period.

The Gurteen College site is very centrally located and is accessed from the N52 between Birr and

John Deere 6320 Power Quad 2006. Excellent condition

SULKY DCR SPREADER Mint condition

Landini 6-120C New Tractor

SULKY DX20 FERTILISER SPREADER

Landini 6-145L 2015. New Tractor

NC SLURRY 3000 SU SLURRY PUMP

Gary Brogan Tractor Sales, situated in the heart of West Limerick just outside Newcastle West, specializes in the sale of both new and pre-owned agricultural tractors, machinery, plant and vehicles.

All used equipment is meticulously checked and overhauled by our service team before sale.

ZETOR 8641 FORTERRA 2006, 3000 HOURS, €26,000

JARMET SPRAYER Full range in stock-up.

Gary Brogan Tractor Sales Shanagarry Newcastle West Co Limerick 069 78942 087 975 0219

Our website is constantly updated with new and secondhand machinery for sale. Visit our well stocked machinery yard to see the latest Landini and Tumosan range of tractors.

CALL Gary Brogan at 069 78942 for more information

WWW.GARYBROGANTRACTORS.IE

15 JOHN DEERE 6210R Direct Drive, Ex Hire, 888hrs, c/f susp, tyres 95%,4 ESCV’s, Mint condition.POA Contact Ian in Meath 086 255 5065

Meath Farm Machinery Ltd Main John Deere Dealer with locations in Meath, Cavan and Kildare.

07 JOHN DEERE 7830 7782 hrs, a/q, 50k, Tls, Tyres 70% €53000+vat

07 JOHN DEERE 6930 9180hrs, 50k, a/q, c/susp, Tls, creeper,New tyres, immaculate €38000+vat Contact Derek in Meath 087 698 5159

05 MASSEY FERGUSON 5455 6865 hrs, Powershuttle 16/16 speed €32000 no vat

Contact Pierce in Meath 087 679 2587

05 JOHN DEERE 8320 7091 hrs,f/susp, ILS, Power shift, front linkage. Rear tyres 90%,front 50%, Mint. €55000+vat.

Contact Ian in Meath 086 255 5065

02 JOHN DEERE 9640 WTS 2698hrs, straw walker, 20ft 620r header/trolley, Excellent condition €60000+vat Contact Ian in Meath 086 255 5065

13 JOHN DEERE S690 Demo,4wd, 620hrs,385 drum hrs, Dbl axle trolley, 630R header, Mint condition.POA Contact Ian in Meath 086 255 5065

08 RUSCON 18FT Auto tailgate, silage sides, sprung drawbar, bogie axle c/w super singles, €8000 +vat Contact Johnny in Kildare 087 758 4356

05 JOHN DEERE 388 Load sensing hyds, 8.8m, very good condition,ready for grass €15000+vat Contact Johnny in Kildare 087 758 4356

VIEW ALL OUR USED MACHINERY ON

Contact Pat in Cavan 087 289 7351

WWW.MEATHFARMMACHINERY.COM

machinery

Slurry was recently spread on the site using an umbilical system.

The silage pit demo is always popular at FTMTA Grass & Muck.

International Comparison Test Thanks to the advantage of the in-spinning, BOGBALLE again proved to be the most accurate spreader throughout the test with the lowest CV (Coeficient of Variation). The advantage of in-spinning is more overlap between the discs, meaning the risk of deviations during full width spreading is lower.

Nenagh. Ample free parking will be provided adjacent to the site. Local Gardai have advised that a no parking zone on access roads will be strictly enforced with a tow away policy on the day. National access to the site will primarily be from the Nenagh and Birr directions and a one way system will be in force on the access road to the college. The ease of access to and outflow from the car parks was an aspect that was widely commented on after the previous such events and the organisers will have the same arrangements in place for this year’s event.

The exhibition fields will open to the public at 9am and the event will conclude at 5pm.

A variety of quality catering options will be provided on site and this is another area that has received favorable reviews after past FTMTA Grass & Mucks.

On the site itself, safety is the watchword as always and visitors are asked to take heed of the fact that FTMTA Grass & Muck is a working machinery demonstration and to comply with the instructions of safety officers and stewards.

Please contact FTMTA on 045 409 309 or at show@ftmta.ie for further information on the event.

McHale always put on a great show at FTMTA Grass & Muck.

“...Bogballe had a CV of 3.7% - the lowest of all machines in the test...”

(Farmer’s Weekly 15/4/2011) Choice of control units (manual, computer, tablet) • Integrated headland spreading as standard.

• Section control ready as standard.

• Optional weight cells for fully automatic calibration.

L1 10 – 18m 700 – 1,600L Ideal for grassland L2 12 – 24m 700 – 2,050L Wider grassland spreading / entry tillage M2 12 – 42m 1,250 – 3,000L The most accurate tillage spreader on the market M3 12 – 42m 1,800 – 4,050L For larger capacity tillage M6 12 – 42m 4,000 – 5,550L Largest mounted spreader in the world!

36 Grass Roots April / May 2016

ATKINS FARM MACHINERY Bandon 023 884 1664

Paddy Lacey Tractors Tractors, machinery, sales & service

2004 New Holland TS125A SLE 3900HRS

2010 New Holland T7040 4wd 5400hrs full spec

2004 New Holland TL100A 4wd C/W Loader

2007 New Holland TM140 R/C Cab Sus

2006 New Holland TM155 4wd P/C 6100hrs

2012 New Holland T6030 Sle 4800HRS

2000 New Holland TM165 4wd P/C

2009 New Holland T6040 4wd Only Done 3000hrs SLE

2002 New Holland TS115 SLE 4wd Turbo PowerShuttle

2010 New Holland T6080 50KM only done 3600HRS

2005 New Holland TM190 4wd 5500hrs

2000 New Holland TS110 4wd SLE Creeper

2007 John Deere 6230 4wd Only 4600hrs

1998 JCB 526S LOADER 700HRS

2004 New Holland TM120 Dual 2002 New Holland TM150 R/C Command Power Shuttle Mint 7500hrs

PAddy lacey TRACTORS

The Harrow, Ferns, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland Tel: 053 936 6338 Mobile: 087 244 6272 or 087 257 5327 Email: info@paddylacey.com Web: www.paddylacey.com

machinery

ROBO2016 Puts Customer in Control

C

ustomers and dealers from across Europe have seized the opportunity to try out McConnel’s full range of remote control machines at ROBO2016.

The exciting hands-on experience event attracted professional contractors and distributors from as far as Switzerland and gave both new and experienced operators a chance to try out the machines on steep slopes in challenging working conditions.

The three-day event, which was held just outside Ludlow, marked the full working debut of ROBOMAX, McConnel’s 80hp new all-terrain work platform, which can tackle slopes of up to 55 degree and delivers twice the power of the company’s best-selling ROBOCUT machine.

Other machines on display included: • ROBOCUT – the world’s best-selling remote control tool carrier.

Comes with a range of 17 different work attachments from a stump grinder to a fixed-tooth forestry flailhead.

• ROBOPOWER – part of the new wave of unmanned tractors, this innovative 140hp machine has front and rear three-point linkage for

universal compatibility.

• ROBOLOAD – features a 40hp Isuzu diesel engine, a powerful loader bucket capable of lifting more than 300kg, and is compatible with the full range of ROBOCUT attachments and accessories.

• ROBOMOZ – a high-performance all-terrain slope mower with a Yanmar 33hp engine and six different attachments • ROBOZERO – the world’s first commercial remote control zero-turn mower • Irish contractor Rob Hall said the event had highlighted the huge potential for remote control machinery in the green maintenance market.

He said: “ROBO2016 has given us a chance to see just how effective these machines are. We were really impressed by the power and the productivity of ROBOMAX and how easy it is to master.”

McConnel general manager Christian Davies said: “For the first time customers have not only been able to see our full range of remote control machines in action, they have also had a unique opportunity to try them out.

“The event has enabled us to showcase the entire range and show both customers and dealers the huge benefits in safety and productivity our products can deliver.”

5700 Global Series Awards for Case Launched by MF IH and Claas

M

assey Ferguson has launched two new tractors in the MF 5700 Global Series - the 100hp, MF 5710 and 110hp, MF 5711.

They join the 75hp to 95hp MF 4700 Series Global tractors, launched last year.

Both of the tractors are powered by the latest 4.4 litre, four cylinder AGCO Power engine, which meets the strict Stage IV/Tier 4 Final emission regulations using the latest All In One emission system.

Massey Ferguson has also used the latest engineering technology it has available to develop a completely new 12 x 12 gearbox specifically for this new range.

C

laas featured among the winners of the internationally renowned iF Design Award in 2016.

The Arion 400 tractor with panoramic cab won the “Automobiles, Vehicles, Bikes” category.

The completely new panoramic cab design on the Arion 400 had already won the SIMA Innovation Award in Gold 2015.

The Case IH Optum CVX has been awarded yet another award. It started with the title of Machine of the Year 2016 in the L category at Agritechnica last November, recently two Technical Innovation Awards at the Fieragricola show in Verona, Italy, and now the Technical Innovation Award at FIMA. The high-performance engine brake on the new Optum CVX tractor received the 2016 “Technical Innovation” prize awarded by the International Agricultural Machinery Fair (FIMA).

New Options on John Deere Mid-Spec Sprayers J ohn Deere has recently announced two new high-end options for its M700 and M900 Series trailed sprayers.

These are included on the six models with tank capacities from 2400 to 6200 litres and spray booms from 18 to 40m.

The BoomTrac and LED field lighting options which were previously only available on the high-specification M700i and M900i Series models are now available on the midspeification range.

The established BoomTrac automatic boom levelling and height control system uses ultrasonic sensors to measure the

38 Grass Roots April / May 2016

height of the boom above the crop or soil.

The optional boom lighting kit features two high-powered LED lights mounted below the boom’s centre frame assembly.

These shine a high-intensity white light below the structure, effectively illuminating both the boom itself and the spray pattern below each nozzle.

BoomTrac will be available for both John Deere M700 and M900 Series trailed sprayers from April 2016.

The LED boom lighting kit option will also be available from this April for the M700 models, and from November 2016 for the M900 Series.

VISIT ONE OF OUR 3 BRANCHES New Inn, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan (049) 854 4353 Gardenrath Road, Kells, Co. Meath (046) 924 1055 Lanesborough, Longford Road (090) 662 6771

2009 Valtra T151 Hi Tech Tyres 650/65R38, 540/65R28 = 50%, c/w Air Seat, Air Con, Cab and Axle Suspension, Front Linkage & PTO 4432, €44k + VAT

2003 Valtra 8050 Hi Tech c/w Front Linkage, Front Suspension, Air Con, Air Seat, Tyres 520/85R38 = 20%, 16.9R28 = 80%, €27k + VAT

2010, Claas 870 Self Propelled Harvester Air Con, Air Seat, Tyres; Front 800/65R32 = 90%, Rear 540/65R24 = 30%, Very Tidy Machine, 2187, poa

Major 1600 gal Vacuum Tank Tyres 23.1R24 €5500 + VAT

Kane 16ft Silage Trailer Choice of 4 - Various year poa

2015 Donnelly Silage Trailer Choice of 2 - 16ft or 18ft poa

2010 John Deere 644 Baler Choice of 2

2011 Taarup 4332LT Mower Conditioner “10ft 6”” Mower c/w Spreading Vanes - Owner Driven” €10550 + vat

2012 Valtra A93 Tyres 480/70R34 and 380/70R24, Clutchless Shuttle 12/12 Gearbox 136, €42k + VAT

2012 Valtra A92 Low Profile Cab Tyres 480/70R34, 380/70R24 = 85%, Tractor is As New 1153, €27500 + VAT

2002 Claas Jaguar 8700 c/w front mounted 30ft Triple Claas Mowers - New Mowers fitted 3 years ago, 2500 acres cut 4364, poa

2008, Joskin Modulo 11000L c/w 6.02M Multi Action trailing shoe.

Shoes 70%, Sprung Drawbar, €20k + VAT

New - Demo Weidemann 4270 4270 CX100T Telescopic Loader, High Performance Pump €60k + VAT

2011 JCB TM310 Agri Air Con, Air Seat, Tyres; 17.5R24 = New, Pin & Cone Head, 4200 €50k + VAT

2011 Taarup 9578 Twin rotor rake - 22 - 25ft working width, hyd adjustment €10000 + VAT

2013 McHale Fusion 3 Choice of Fusion 3 and Fusion 3 Plus poa

Welger AP630 Square Baler Original Baler, 11.5 - 80 x 15.3 (70%), 10.0 - 80 x 12 (60%) €10,000

John Deere 1365 10ft Trailed Mower Conditioner, Girodine Swivel Headstock, 10.75x15.5 wheels, 2500 acres cut, €9750 + vat

At Clarke Machinery Ltd, our listing of used machinery is updated weekly.

Visit us online for more details

www.clarkemachinery.ie

Clarke Machinery Ltd New Inn Branch, (Head Office), New Inn, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, A82 X683 Tel: +353 (0)49 854 4353

machinery

New T5 and T6 Launched

N

ew Holland has improved its popular T5 tractor range – one of the best sellers in its power bracket in Europe – to not only meet Tier 4B emissions regulations, but also to incorporate a host of new features designed to boost comfort, efficiency and productivity.

The new T5 Tier 4B range has been re-engineered to meet the evolving needs of livestock farmers and those who require a nimble, mid-powered tractor for dairy and mixed farming.

“New Holland has traditionally been very strong in serving this sector of agriculture with tractors in this power bracket, and the T5 Tier 4B developments are designed to build on that,” explains Sean Lennon, Head of Tractors, Telehandlers and PLM Product Management.

“While upgrading the T5 tractors’ emissions systems to meet Tier 4B regulations, New Holland has taken the opportunity to add further developments that enhance the machines’ versatility and capabilities.

Styling has also been brought into line with that of the higher powered T6 and T7 range.”

New Holland Agriculture have also launched the new T6 all-purpose tractor series. The company says the T6 Series combines ultimate power with advanced technology to deliver unmatched comfort, visibility and manoeuvrability together with more power and performance. The new range also introduces New Holland’s sleek new tractor family styling.

The new T6 complies with Tier 4B emissions standards with New

Holland’s ECOBlue™ Hi-eSCR (High-Efficiency Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology. With this after-treatment system the engine breathes clean air, optimising combustion, torque rise and fuel efficiency.

The new T6 engines achieve better performance by maximising power output from each cylinder. The new engine control unit brings the engine to maximum torque faster and holds through to the lower rpm longer, outperforming the previous generation’s engine.

The Engine Power Management develops more power and torque according to the load on the transmission, hydraulics and PTO. On the T6.165 it can deliver up to 33 extra horsepower when it is needed to maintain performance. Engine Speed Management ensures the engine speed is maintained under changing loads, for applications that require a constant PTO speed or to maintain a fixed forward speed in difficult terrain.

SlurryKat Launches Brand New Pantera Range of Budget Slurry Tankers

A

completely new low budget low specification range of slurry tankers has just been launched

by SlurryKat to cater for a growing demand in that specific machinery sector.

The new range of Pantera tankers demonstrates a more basic lower specification design and options list compared to the original premium range of SlurryKat flagship tankers also made by the company for larger farmers and contractors.

There are a number of models available in the range from 1600 to 2750 gallons on a single axle and 2500 to 3500 gallon models on tandem axles.

The Pantera range is manufactured with steel already shot blasted and finished in high gloss two pack black paint as standard to ensure a long durable protection against corrosion.

Tankers can be sprayed in SlurryKat’s flagship red and green colours if the customer desires.

SlurryKat’s unique internal anti-surge baffle system and full internal welding is also maintained in the range.

Sales orders and positive feedback on pre-production Pantera models have been very strong from customers and the range is now in full production at the company’s manufacturing facility in Waringstown in County Armagh.

SlurryKat’s chief executive officer, Garth Cairns, said: “The

40 Grass Roots April / May 2016

vision behind the new Pantera range is to offer the market a more affordable tanker with less specification while still maintaining vital reputable build quality and reliability, something SlurryKat is strongly recognised for in the agri industry.

“The same high quality components and high tensile steels, Jurop vacuum pumps, axles, wheels and valves that we use to manufacture our premium range of SlurryKat tankers are also fitted to the Pantera range.

“Pantera tankers are built on the same production line by the same experienced SlurryKat engineers so no cuts have been made to save costs using inferior cheap components.”

SlurryKat is now seen as the main trend setter when it comes to manufacturing slurry handling equipment.

Traditionally recognised for supplying umbilical systems, the company first entered into the very competitive slurry tanker market almost eight years ago and has went from strength to strength in that time.

SlurryKat incorporated new innovative designs that originally focused on tankers with spreading technology equipment on the rear such as dribble bars and trailing shoe injectors to coincide with the EU nitrates directive in 2007.

SlurryKat has won numerous awards for its tanker designs and attachments and is seen as one of the market leaders for slurry tankers.

NEW BUNDED CHEMICAL STORAGE UNIT & FAST FILL AGRI DRINKER RANGE Chemical Storage available in 75 Litre & 280 Litre Capacity

Fast Fill Drinkers available in 120, 170, 250 & 400 Gallon Capacity

FOR ALL YOUR FARMING NEEDS. NOW AVAILABLE FROM KINGSPAN. PLEASE CALL: 042 969 0022 OR EMAIL: IRELANDSALES@KINGSPAN.COM

Galvanizing /Painting / Blasting

CKING NOW STOCKING NOW STOCKING NOW STOCKING NOW STOCKING NOW STOCKIN

Aluminium Galvanized Piping Chequer Plate prices start from €15.50 per length

prices start from €67 per sheet

Shannonside Galvanizing, Four Elms, Drombanna, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 412357

Fax: 061 415853

www.shannonsidegalv.com dermotobrien@shannonsidegalv.com michaeloconnor@shannonsidegalv.com

machinery

Zetor Celebrate 70 years

Z

etor tractors have celebrated their 70th anniversary as flags flew high at the company’s Brno plant in the Czech Republic to mark 70 years precisely since the first three Zetor were produced there and delivered to customers.

In August of the same year, the Zetor trademark was registered and the successful history of Zetor began to unfold. The first three model Z 25 tractors subsequently went into mass production at Brno leading to hundreds of thousands of the units being produced.

Along the way, Ireland acquired an important place in the company’s history when, also in the late-1940s, the first Zetor models were imported and sold here. Now distributed by McHale Plant Sales, the brand is represented by a national dealer network that includes McHale’s own direct sales outlets at Birdhill and Rathcoole.

Innovations in tractor design with which Zetor is associated include the concept of using unified parts and the introduction of the first security cabin with integrated rollover protection.

Today, the Zetor product range comprises four models variants – the entrylevel Major, mid-range Proxima, the powerful Forterra series and the highpowered, heavy-duty Crystal.

Looking ahead, Zetor’s determination to boost demand for their products and

expand its presence in international markets was flagged recently with their introduction of the Zetor by Pininfarina design study.

Best-known for their work with Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and others, Zetor’s engagement of the legendary Italian motor vehicle design and engineering house underlines the role that design will play in Zetor’s brand future.

A special logo commemorating their 70th anniversary will appear on all Zetor tractors produced this year.

Pottinger launch new Tri Drive on disc mower range

T

he cutter bar is the heart of Pottinger disc mowers. Available immediately, the new Tri Drive gear optimisation technology offers smoother running and durability as well as lower noise levels.

First-class cutting quality, low drag resistance and strength are the trademarks of Pöttinger mowers. Engineering details and ingenious machine functions contribute significantly to harvesting quality forage. The cutter bar is a key component on disc mowers. Developed and manufactured in Grieskirchen, the disc mower cutter bars are a quality product made in Austria.

Pottinger based the design on developments that have been made in drum-type mowers. The effect achieved by the paddles on the drum mower, increasing crop flow and lowering the drag resistance of the mower, is achieved by the contoured shape of the conical discs on the disc mower.

The crop really flows through the mower over the smooth profiled discs. Tractor power requirement is lower as a result; dynamic crop flow means the mower is operating at peak efficiency all the time.

The mower discs are driven by gear wheels that are almost the same diameter (39/50). Three teeth are always in contact for better power transmission and

softer starting characteristics. The new surface of the gears ensures smoother running and a reduction in noise level. The gear wheels are hardened, machined and fitted with durable twin-race tapered bearings. Pöttinger disc mowers are extremely maintenance friendly. All knives feature a quick-change system so they can be replaced rapidly without the need of a socket wrench.

Alamo Group companies Twose and McConnel to merge

T

wose of Tiverton is to merge with its sister company McConnel, combining the skills and resources of two of the most illustrious names in British agricultural engineering.

Twose of Tiverton is to merge with its sister company McConnel, combining the skills and resources of two of the most illustrious names in British agricultural engineering.

42 Grass Roots April / May 2016

The move, which will take place on May 1, 2016, will see the creation of a specialist Grassland and Arable Machinery Division, resulting in a wider product offering that will generate new opportunities for growth.

Twose’s comprehensive range of cultivation and farm machinery, including its market-leading range of agricultural folding rollers, will be added into McConnel’s arable and seeding machinery portfolio – enabling the company to offer a one-stop shop for all of its agricultural and green maintenance machinery products.

DEUTZ FAHR 6040 HTS COMBINE HARVESTER

DEUTZ FAHR AGROTRON 6180P 2014, Profiline c/w Front Linkage, Front P.TO, Xenon Work Lights, Electric Spool Valves, Air Brakes, Air Cab Suspension, Ad-Blue. Mint.

Contact: Liam Brennan 056 773 3037 / 087 256 2024 liam@hegartyfarmmachinery.com

SAME TRACTOR SILVER 110 2008, Same Silver 110 Tractor c/w Quicke Q30 Loader, 4WD, Fwd/Rev Shuttle, Trailer Brake, 4 Spool Valves, Telescopic Hitch.

Contact: Sean Minchin 059 915 1199 / 087 628 0710 sean@hegartyfarmmachinery.com

LAMBORGHINI R3 EVO 100 2008,100HP Tractor c/w Sigma 4 Loader Brackets & Hydraulics, Telescopic Hitch, 3 Spool Valves, Trailer brake, Excellent condition.

Contact: Liam Brennan 056 773 3037 / 087 256 2024 liam@hegartyfarmmachinery.com

JOHN DEERE 6110SE 1998, c/w Tanco T80 Loader Contact: Henry 059 91 51199 / 087 259 1974 henry@hegartyfarmmachinery.com

MASSEY FERGUSON 50H LOADER 1989, c/w 7FT Bucket, Rear Weight, 2WD. Mint.POA. Contact: Liam Brennan 056 773 3037 / 087 256 2024 liam@hegartyfarmmachinery.com

BARGAM TRAILED SPRAYER 2012, c/w 24 MTR Boom, Tracking Drawbar, Hyd Brakes, Triple Nozzles, 13.6R38 Tyres, Electric Control, Lights.

Excellent Condition. POA. Contact: Liam Brennan 056 773 3037 / 087 256 2024 liam@hegartyfarmmachinery.com

KVERNELAND 5 FURROW REVERSIBLE PLOUGH c/w No.8 Boards, Full set of discs and skimmers. Rubber Depth Wheel, Hydraulic Vari Width. â‚Ź11,000 Contact: Sean Minchin 059 915 1199 / 087 628 0710 sean@hegartyfarmmachinery.com

Gordon Hegarty & Sons Ltd Tullow 059 915 1199 Kilkenny 056 773 3037

WWW.HEGARTYFARMMACHINERY.COM

PAT RYAN Tractor Sales

TRACTORS & SPARE PARTS AT THE RIGHT PRICE If you are looking a new or used tractor or need a spare part, look no further. We have a full range of Zetor Tractors in stock.

CALL US TODAY on 061 384 459 or on 086 831 0238 to arrange a deal that suits you.

Well worth a call to view the large range in stock.

WWW.PATRYANTRACTORSALES.IE

PAT RYAN TRACTOR SALES Coologue, Old Pallas, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 384 459 Mobile: 086 831 0238 Email: info@patryantractorsales.ie

macra / youth

Young Farmers Demand Freemount Macra Consistency from CAP Claim Third National Debating Title since 2012 National Reserve

M

acra na Feirme and young farmers are very dissatisfied at the prospect of no funding for a 2016 National Reserve as advised by the Department of Agriculture recently.

The organisation is reiterating its call for a 2016 National Reserve fund to meet the requirements of young farmers.

Sean Finan, Macra na Feirme National President said ‘The stop – start nature of young farmer measures in recent years has resulted in many falling through the cracks and not being properly catered for by the CAP. Young farmers have missed out on Installation Aid and National Reserve in some years – creating an uneven playing field’.

Given that there is an estimated €8 million of young farmer top up funding unused in 2015 which will be redistributed to all farmers, a provision could be made for the National Reserve applicants in 2016.

The national reserve is an important policy instrument to help young farmers get established. If you close the National Reserve you close the door on many young farmers establishing in farming in 2016.

Macra na Feirme will be making the case to the Department of Agriculture’s Direct Payments Advisory Committee for a 2016 National Reserve on behalf of young farmers.

F

reemount Macra claimed their third National Debating Title since 2012, when they defeated Donoughmore Macra in the National Final in Clonakility on 12th March last.

Their team was made up of Louise Burke, Michael Curtin, Ann Fitzgerald and Marion Brosan.

Freemount Macra has enjoyed tremendous success in this

Touareg R-Line exterior.

With an already refined exterior, the Touareg delivers all the attributes of a classic. To further enhance this stunning model you can now avail of an R-Line exterior pack on selected Touareg models, at half the normal retail price, when you order your new 161 Touareg.

Twice the style.

Half the price.

€799 th per mon

Touareg R-Line exterior.

With an already refined exterior, the Touareg delivers all the attributes of a classic. To further enhance this stunning model you can now avail of an R-Line exterior pack on selected Touareg models, at half the normal retail price, when you order your new 161 Touareg.

Call into us today or visit www.newmarketmotors.ie for more details.

Trimline

R-Line Pack R-Line Exterior Pack + R-Line Chrome and Style Pack, 21” R-Line Mallory alloys, chromed angular tailpipe (left and right), front and rear bumpers in “R” design, sill extension and rear spoiler in body colour, radiator grille in “R” design, stainless steel loading edge protection for R-Line Exterior and 21” Mallory alloys

RRP

Limited Offer

€2,183

€887

Newmarket Motors, Main Street, Newmarket, Co. Cork.

Newmarket Motors, Main Street, Newmarket, Co. Cork.

Tel: 029 60100 www.newmarketmotors.ie

Tel: 029 60100 Touareg 3.0 TDI V6 BMT TT 262hp CO2www.newmarketmotors.ie emissions (g/km) 180. Combined fuel consumption 6.9l/100km. Increased weight of a vehicle,

including higher trim levels and the addition of options may have an affect on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions produced. The CO2 and fuel consumption figures are obtained from tests on a representative vehicle of the type, conducted and approved in accordance with Council Directive 80/1268/EEC as amended by Directive 1999/100/EC (or later) on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the carbon dioxide emissions and the fuel consumption of motor vehicles. Typical Finance Example: Touareg. Recommended OTRP €70,770. Deposit/Part Exchange €21,723.77. 36 monthly payments of €799. Optional final payment €24,498.25. Total cost of credit €4,366.02. Subject to lending criteria. Total cost of credit includes acceptance fee (€75) and completion fee (€75). Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Volkswagen Bank GmbH is authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Offer applies to 161 registrations that are ordered before 29th of February 2016. This offer does not apply to fleet sales. Model shown is for illustrative purposes only. See www.volkswagen.ie for details.

44 Grass Roots April / May 2016

Call into us today or visit www.newmarketmotors.ie for more details.

Touareg 3.0 TDI V6 BMT TT 262hp CO2 emissions (g/km) 180. Combined fuel consumption 6.9l/100km. Increased weight of a vehicle, including higher trim levels and the addition of options may have an affect on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions produced. The CO2 and fuel consumption figures are obtained from tests on a representative vehicle of the type, conducted and approved in accordance with Council Directive 80/1268/EEC as amended by Directive 1999/100/EC (or later) on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the carbon dioxide emissions and the fuel consumption of motor vehicles. Typical Finance Example: Touareg. Recommended OTRP €70,770. Deposit/Part Exchange €21,723.77.

36 monthly payments of €799. Optional final payment €24,498.25. Total cost of credit €4,366.02. Subject to lending criteria. Total cost of credit includes acceptance fee (€75) and completion fee (€75). Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Volkswagen Bank GmbH is authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Offer applies to 161 registrations that are ordered before 29th of February 2016. This offer does not apply to fleet sales. Model shown is for illustrative purposes only.

See www.volkswagen.ie for details.

macra / youth

competition in recent years after their initial success in 2012 and again in 2014.

Louise Bourke was also a member of their victorious team in 2012, while her sister Kate was also on the winning team two years ago.

Eoin McCarthy of Grassroots Farm Magazine spoke with Louise Burke about their recent success and he started by asking her about what makes Freemount so competitive and successful in Macra debating and public speaking competitions?

Their success in these competitions is highlighted by the fact that “in the last five years we have had 11 different speakers come out of the club with All Ireland Titles”.

This level of success is all the more remarkable considering that in the five years previous to their initial 2012 success; Freemount Macra had never put out any kind of public speaking team.

Louise credits Noreen Moylan, who prepared them during their 2012 success, and further attributes their success in debating (and public speaking) down to coaching teams in the intervening years since her initial success in this competition five years ago.

Louise explained that club members are eager and enthusiastic about debating and are more than willing to help each other prepare for debates by competing in mock debates or by bouncing stuff off each other on what’s app on how people can argue motions from different viewpoints while also trying to predict how the opposition could argue their motion. Louise summed up their success in the following sentence “It really works because there is a great crowd of people interested in it”.

Louise was awarded best speaker for the 2016 debating final and described it as “a great honour”. She acknowledged the team

nature of debating by claiming that “you are part of a team at the end of the day, whilst it’s great to get best speakers it’s all about everyone else too”. She got great joy from seeing her team mates who had never won a debating title before succeed Saturday night.

Louise credits Awbeg Macra, another club in the Avondhu Region, who helped Freemount to succeed in the national final after both clubs made a pact prior to their debate in the national semi-final.

Although, Freemount were beaten by Awbeg Macra in the Avondhu Regional Final, both teams progressed to represent Avondhu in the latter stages of this completion.

Ironically, both teams met again in the national semi-final, which according to Louise was “nerve racking because there is nothing worse than debating against your friends”.

Prior to their semi-final debate, both clubs made a pact that whatever team lost the semi-final would write a mock debate for the other team in preparation for the national final.

Louise further elaborated “in fairness to all the Awbeg team, they sat round my kitchen one night and we had a mock debate, which I actually think was the reason why we won the national final they were fantastic because they absolutely tore us apart” Louise described a feeling of “disbelief”, while it took a minute or two to set in after Freemount Macra were announced winners of the National Debating Final. She further described how on the drive home from Clonakility her team mate Ann Fitzgerald, Freemount’s third speaker, asked her “did that really happen?”

Louise proclaimed that it’s hard to believe that you actually did it when it comes to the very end of it all, it’s a huge culmination and a huge pride” after three months of sitting in a kitchen going around arguing points it’s in your though process for so long that she was “a bit lost at sea” after the national final.

Freemount Macra Annual Tractor Run

F

reemount Macra annual tractor run will be held on the 10th April 2016. Registration will be from 12 noon to 12.45pm sharp and the tractor run will leave the Community Centre yard at 1pm. This year there is a new route.

Now in its third year all proceeds will be donated to Temple Street Hospital. Proceeds from their tractor run have been donated to the Irish Heart Foundation in 2014 and to the Irish Cancer Society last year, in addition to funds raised from their shave or dye event.

Grass Roots April / May 2016 45

Agri Business

Green Acre Marketing strengthens its teams

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isa Dunphy has recently joined Green Acre Marketing to head up the Communications and PR side of the business. Green Acre Marketing was set up in 2013 by Aileen Barron with the sole purpose to provide Marketing services to agribusinesses operating in Ireland. The business now supports some well-known international agribusinesses while also working with a large array of Irish agribusinesses.

Originally from Dungarvan, Co Kilkenny, Lisa is well known in the agri industry in Ireland. Lisa worked for the Arvum Group over the past six years where she was Marketing and PR Manager across the group, which incorporates such companies as Seed Technology, DLF, Advanced Fertilizers, and Specialist Nutrition.

Lisa who holds a Masters in Marketing will bring a wealth of knowledge in Communications, PR and Event Management to complement the services being provided at Green Acre Marketing.

Speaking about the move Lisa stated “I’m very excited about moving to a company that offers the opportunity to work with so many great agribusinesses and joining a company that is still at an early growth stage gives me the opportunity to make a unique contribution to the success and development of the business”.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY A HUGE SUCCESS IN PROMOTING IRISH FOOD TO A GLOBAL AUDIENCE

onwidE . Now Nationwide . Now Nationwide . Now Nation

FARM Competitive and Effective Marketing Right at Your Target Market Print and Online

A FREE Publication for the Modern Market with Traditional Values Eoin McCarthy Sales Administrator 086 170 1609 eoingrassroots@gmail.com

Linda Egan Sales and Marketing 086 468 4411 advertgrassroots@gmail.com

46 Grass Roots April / May 2016

William Wills Advertising Consultant 086 466 4488 advertgrassroots@gmail.com

B

ord Bord Bia successfully used St Patrick’s Day to promote Irish food and drink to a global audience, writes Eoin McCarthy.

From Paris to Dubai through its network of international offices, Bord Bia coordinated over 100 promotional activities and promotional events aimed at consumers, retailers, trade and foodservice operators.

Aidan Cotter, Bord Bia’s chief executive emphasized the importance of the celebration to the agri-food industry stating, “St. Patrick’s day provides Bord Bia, and the Irish food and drink industry, with an invaluable opportunity to highlight the quality and sustainability credentials of our produce. Events and promotional campaigns allow us engage with new and existing customers to tell the story of origin green, our industry and its producers, on a scale unmatched by the national day of any other country.”

In UK, Ireland’s largest export market, products such as prime Irish beef, Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese, Irish pork sausages, Cully & Sully and Irish drinks were given prime positioning across 100 UK retail stores.

While, 80,000 Londoners sampled dishes ranging from slow cooked Irish beef stew to

Irish farmhouse cheeses at Bord Bia London’s ‘Irish Food Market’.

Irish Hereford was served at Claude Colliot’s award-winning restaurant in Paris, while in Germany Mario Corti, a Michelin Star chef and a Chefs Irish Beef Club member, served Irish Hereford and Black Angus beef as well as briefing local media on the premium quality of Irish beef.

The Irish Embassy in Sweden joined forces with Bord Bia to host an event which allowed Irish food and drink companies, including Tullamore, Jameson, Burren Smokehouse, Kelly’s Oysters and Dawn Meats to showcase their premium products to key trade buyers.

Former Tanaiste Joan Burton joined Bord Bia and ABP in Italy for a meeting at Metro’s headquarters in San Donato Milanese, which was one of six different ABP events in Europe to promote Irish beef across four different day.

US President Barack Obama was presented with a hamper of Irish food and drink product by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny during his visit to the White House. The Bord Bia hamper including well-known brands of Irish beef, confectionary, oatmeal, tea, coffee, seafood, butter, whiskey, relishes and preserves, craft beer, crackers, bread and farmhouse cheese.

WIN 5 pairs of tickets for

FTMTA Grass & Muck 2016

FTMTA Grass & Muck 2016 at Gurteen College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary (near Birr) on

Thursday, May 12th Like our Facebook page facebook.com/grassrootsfarmmag and share our FTMTA Grass and Muck 2016 Competition post from Saturday 16th April til Monday 2nd May to be in with a chance to win.

Winners will be announced on Tuesday 3rd May and contacted directly

Good Luck Everyone!!!

Terms and Conditions apply

Grass Roots April / May 2016 47

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